LH
Leslie Halliwell
Praised it as an "elegant variation" of a classic story, noting its "portentous style" as admirably suited to the subject.
A corrupt young man somehow keeps his youthful beauty, but a special painting gradually reveals his inner ugliness to all.
Critical Consensus
7.5
IMDb
65
Metacritic
7.1
TMDB
The 1945 film adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray was a critical success upon release, earning positive reviews and an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. It maintains a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is often considered the best film adaptation of the novel.
The Cast
Trivia
The film was shot primarily in black-and-white, with four three-strip Technicolor inserts specifically for Dorian's portrait, showcasing its transformation from youthful to degenerate.
Censorship restrictions during production necessitated that Dorian's 'unspeakable acts' be kept off-screen, a change from the original novel.
The macabre painting of Dorian Gray used at the film's conclusion was specially commissioned from artist Ivan Le Lorraine Albright during production in 1943–1944.
Artist Ivan Le Lorraine Albright painted and altered Dorian's portrait concurrently with the film's production to depict the character's degenerative transformation.
The initial portrait of Dorian Gray, depicting Hurd Hatfield, has been sold at multiple auctions, fetching $149,000 at Christie's in 2015.
Reviews
0 reviews
Avg: 0.0 / 5
Critics
LM
Leonard Maltin
Described it as a "haunting" Oscar Wilde story, highlighting Angela Lansbury's poignant performance and George Sanders' indelible impression.
B
BBC
Hailed it as "without a doubt the best" film adaptation of Wilde's novel, noting its handsome veneer under which lurks a macabre tale.
JA
James Agee
Found Lewin's version "respectful" and "earnest" but ultimately "dead," suggesting a better movie could have been made.
PK
Pauline Kael
Gave a mixed appraisal, noting its "ludicrous side" and Lewin's failings, but acknowledged the story's "compelling gimmick" and praised Angela Lansbury.
Audience
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