Because Martin Scorsese made his reputation with movies that were set in the poor neighborhoods of Mean Streets and Taxi Driver or the violent world of the mob, it was originally baffling to the public that he would attempt Edith Wharton's "The Innocent Age", set in the upper class society of 1870's New York. This surely, should be done by the Merchant-Ivory team, thought some. Others saw it as a stunt, the director trying to show he could do such a movie. Many people expected that Scorsese had overreached himself and awaited a failed film.
Instead, this film is a masterpiece for the director and everyone in it or connected with it. It really is after all, Scorsese's world, a world where invisible rules bind everyone and violation of those rules could lead to total disaster. These people talk more softly than the people of Goodfellas, have much better taste, and do everything in a circumspect fashion, but cross their rules and you would receive a social death virtually as fatal as a more primitive whacking by the mob.
The novel is adapted very faithfully and its tone is perfectly maintained. The costumes and sets are not only absolutely beautiful but also a commentary on the age, lovingly photographed by Scorsese's famously fluid camera which moves ceaselessly in this opulent world. Every scene has been well thought out and there are some dazzling moments, as when the Countess Olenska looks out at the ocean. The acting is perfect by the entire cast. (Some have complained about Daniel Day Lewis, but they were objecting to his character's personality and not him). Elmer Bernstein composed a magnificent orchestral score which accompanies the scenes perfectly without becoming overbearing.
I think you have to be inclined to like this type of film of manners set in the Nineteenth Century, and the general audience might not get it. But if you are inclined to appreciate this type of film, The Age of Innocence is practically perfect.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2015
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Top reviews from other countries
Kevin S.
The Age of Innocence - Criterion Blu-ray
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 25, 2018Verified Purchase
cora
Beautiful Period Drama
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 20, 2018Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Real smooth transaction
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2021Verified Purchase
Angela Akers
Lovely film
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 21, 2019Verified Purchase
CarloB
Beautiful release of a great (and underrated) Martin Scorsese film
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2019Verified Purchase
