Customer Reviews

Dorian Gray [VHS]

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I did not like this film very much, but I credit it for being the best adaption of Oscar Wilde's story so far... This film takes the story and places it in 70's with all of their vices (non-stop sex with coke and booze,etc.). Dorian Gray is still young and beautiful Enlgish aristocrat (so that has not changed). Helmut Berger seems to be the most suitable for this role, for he WAS VERY BEAUTIFUL, INDEED. The plot has changed a little...which did not spoil the story, either. But, I gave this film 3, instead of 4 or even 5, because despite a basically good script, a wonderful cast, and a very original idea, this film neither captured the depth of Wilde's story nor provided viewers with much entertaiment. While being a very beautiful Dorian Gray, Helmut Berger is also the dullest one, and that brings the film down. Basically, this film is a well-thought idea (placing the story in 70's), executed very badly by the filmmakers.

The only reason to watch this movie is to enjoy the looks of Helmut Berger. He's 26 years old at the time, and after seeing him in many Visconti's films, it's interesting to watch how he performs here. Obviously, without a great director, the movie did not realy happen - Dorian's girlfiend is being played poorly, for example. This movie is rather a curiosity, but Berger is at the pick of his beauty.