The Picture of Dorian Gray Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dude makes a deal with an ancient Egyptian cat statue so his portrait gets all the wrinkles and bad decisions instead of him, leading to surprisingly intense art criticism.

🍿 The Picture of Dorian Gray: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Portrait and a Wish

In Victorian London, Dorian Gray, a strikingly handsome young man, poses for artist Basil Hallward. Lord Henry Wotton, a cynical friend of Basil’s, influences Dorian with his hedonistic worldview. Dorian, captivated by the idea of eternal youth, impulsively wishes that his portrait would age instead of him, a wish seemingly granted by an ancient Egyptian statue.

The Downward Spiral

Dorian becomes engaged to Sibyl Vane, a young actress, but cruelly rejects her after a poor performance. Sibyl commits suicide, and Dorian notices a change in his portrait, reflecting his callousness. Disturbed, he hides the painting and embraces a life of pleasure and sin, remaining perpetually youthful while his portrait becomes increasingly grotesque.

Confrontation and Murder

Years later, Basil, concerned about Dorian’s reputation, confronts him about the rumors surrounding his life. Dorian reveals the horrifying portrait, leading to a heated argument. In a fit of rage, Dorian murders Basil to protect his secret, further corrupting his soul and deepening the painting’s depravity.

Pursuit and Reckoning

Haunted by his past actions and the ever-worsening state of his portrait, Dorian becomes engaged to Gladys Hallward, Basil’s niece, hoping for redemption. However, Sibyl Vane’s brother, James, seeks revenge, tracking Dorian down and ultimately dying in a hunting accident. Dorian, burdened by guilt and facing ruin, resolves to destroy the portrait.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dorian Gray (Hurd Hatfield): A handsome and impressionable young man who trades his soul to maintain eternal youth, leading to a life of corruption reflected in his portrait.
• Lord Henry Wotton (George Sanders): A cynical and charismatic nobleman who corrupts Dorian with his hedonistic philosophies, influencing his descent into moral decay.
• Basil Hallward (Lowell Gilmore): The talented painter obsessed with Dorian’s beauty, whose portrait becomes the supernatural embodiment of Dorian’s sins.
• Sibyl Vane (Angela Lansbury): A young actress who falls in love with Dorian, only to be cruelly rejected, leading to her tragic suicide.
• Gladys Hallward (Donna Reed): Basil Hallward’s niece, who represents Dorian’s last chance at redemption and a symbol of his fading innocence.
• James Vane (Richard Fraser): Sibyl’s protective brother who seeks revenge on Dorian for his role in her death, becoming a symbol of Dorian’s past catching up to him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lord Henry Wotton: “If I could get back my youth, I’d do anything in the world except get up early, take exercise, or be respectable.” – This quote encapsulates Lord Henry’s hedonistic philosophy and disdain for societal norms.
• Dorian Gray: “How sad it is! I shall grow old, and horrible, and dreadful. But this picture will remain always young. If it were only the other way!” – This is the fateful wish that sets the story in motion, reflecting Dorian’s vanity and fear of aging.
• Lord Henry Wotton: “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.” – This reflects Lord Henry’s belief in indulgence and the pursuit of pleasure above all else.
• Basil Hallward: “I have put too much of myself into it.” – Basil says this to explain why he doesn’t want to show the painting, hinting at his deep, almost obsessive, admiration for Dorian.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,500,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Picture of Dorian Gray Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely captivated by ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray.’ The way they brought the gothic atmosphere of Victorian London to life was incredible. Angela Lansbury’s performance as Sibyl Vane was heartbreaking, and George Sanders was perfectly cast as the cynical Lord Henry. I loved how the film used the painting as a symbol of Dorian’s inner corruption, and the reveal of the decaying portrait in color was truly shocking and memorable. It really makes you think about the choices you make and the impact they have on your soul. Definitely one of my favorite classic movies!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic literature adaptations”
  • “Viewers interested in gothic horror and psychological thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate classic Hollywood cinema and black and white films”
  • “Audiences interested in films with moral themes and cautionary tales”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Murder”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Hedonistic themes”
  • “Implied homosexual subtext”
  • “Dark and disturbing imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A stylish, atmospheric adaptation that captures the gothic horror of Wilde’s novel. George Sanders shines as Lord Henry, delivering witty cynicism with panache. The use of Technicolor for the portrait is striking and effective. A must-see for classic horror fans.
• The New York Times: “A compelling adaptation that emphasizes the psychological horror over blatant gore. Hurd Hatfield embodies Dorian’s chilling detachment, while Angela Lansbury offers a sympathetic portrayal of Sybil Vane. The film’s slow pace allows for a deeper exploration of Wilde’s themes of vanity and morality.
• Slant Magazine: ” Elegant and measured, this was Hollywood tackling an intellectual piece with, well, intellect. Beautifully photographed in black and white, apart from a couple shots of the painting itself, the aesthetics shimmer.

Audience Reactions

The cinematography and set design beautifully capture the gothic atmosphere of Victorian London.: Viewers universally praise the film’s visual style, particularly the use of black and white and the shocking reveal of the portrait in color.

George Sanders’ performance as Lord Henry is a standout, perfectly capturing the character’s cynical wit.: Sanders’ portrayal of Lord Henry is consistently highlighted as one of the best aspects of the film.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and thought-provoking adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s novel, praised for its atmospheric cinematography, strong performances, and exploration of morality and vanity.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography, Black-and-White)- 1946

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The painting of Dorian Gray that appears in the film was created by Ivan Le Lorraine Albright. It took a year to complete.”
• “The film uses Technicolor inserts for the portrait to emphasize its transformation, a striking visual effect in the black-and-white film.”
• “Angela Lansbury received her second Oscar nomination for her role as Sibyl Vane, marking an early highlight in her illustrious career.”
• “The film is considered a faithful adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s novel, capturing its themes of vanity, morality, and the corrupting influence of hedonism.”
• “The film’s cinematographer, Harry Stradling Sr., won an Academy Award for his work, highlighting the movie’s striking visual style.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Picture of Dorian Gray?

Currently, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” (1945) is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check these services for pricing and availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Picture of Dorian Gray, you might like these similar films:

• The Picture of Dorian Gray (2009): A more modern adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s novel, exploring similar themes with updated sensibilities.
• Faust (1926): A silent German Expressionist film that deals with a similar Faustian bargain, trading the soul for earthly desires.
• Death Becomes Her (1992): A dark comedy about women who go to extreme lengths to achieve eternal youth, offering a satirical take on similar themes.
• Interview with the Vampire (1994): Explores the dark side of immortality and the moral implications of living an eternal life, similar to Dorian Gray’s experiences.
• What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962): A psychological thriller that explores themes of faded beauty and the grotesque consequences of vanity and obsession, capturing a similar atmosphere of decaying elegance.

🛒 The Picture of Dorian Gray Related Products

• The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde: Experience the full genius of Oscar Wilde in one comprehensive collection, including ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and his celebrated plays and essays. Perfect for fans of the movie seeking to explore Wilde’s literary world.
• Dorian Gray Portrait Art Print: A high-quality art print of the iconic decaying portrait from ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’. Captures the macabre and haunting imagery of the movie, making it a unique collector’s item for fans.
• Egyptian Cat God Bastet Statue: Inspired by the Egyptian statue that appears in the film, this Bastet statue is a symbol of mystery and ancient power. Perfect for adding a touch of gothic atmosphere to any room, just like Dorian Gray’s.
• The Picture of Dorian Gray: Movie Poster: This is a high-quality reprint of the original theatrical poster of the movie. An awesome gift for any movie lover!

🎧 Soundtrack

The Picture of Dorian Gray features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Good-Bye, Little Yellow Bird” – performed by Angela Lansbury
• “Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4” – performed by Frédéric Chopin
• “Piano Sonata No. 14” – performed by Beethoven

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 10 Notes: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Want a quick rundown of the most interesting things about ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’? This video gives you the top 10 notes – it’s a fun way to learn some cool facts without sitting through a long lecture!

The Picture of Dorian Gray 2009 ~ Lost in Adaptation

Ever wonder how the movie stacks up against the book? This video compares a later adaptation to the original story, revealing where they nailed it and where they totally missed the point. I always love seeing how different adaptations interpret the same story, it is so interesting!

LITERATURE – Oscar Wilde

Want to know more about the man behind the story? This video dives into Oscar Wilde’s life, from celebrity playwright to prisoner. It is always fascinating to learn about the life and disgrace of artists!

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde | Characters

Confused about the many characters and their motives? This video helps explain all of the characters and their motives!

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