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View Full Version : Calling All Oscar Wilde Fans

Rowan
07-27-2009, 07:23 PM
While I've never read any of his work, this film has certainly piqued my interest. Thank goodness I don't have to wait long to see it. :D

Dorian Grey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY93VUQSMo4)
Ken
07-27-2009, 07:55 PM
While I've never read any of his work, this film has certainly piqued my interest. Thank goodness I don't have to wait long to see it. :D

Dorian Grey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY93VUQSMo4)

I've been clearing out my attic and I found this old portrait of myself from years ago. I think I should get get rid of it. Any suggestions? Shall I have it recycled? What will happen to me if I do???
Susan
07-27-2009, 08:59 PM
Did you see the photos of his grave that I posted in the Old Cemeteries thread?
donroc
07-27-2009, 10:40 PM
The Hurd Hatfield, George Sanders, Angela Lansbury 1944 version is my favorite.
donroc
07-27-2009, 10:57 PM
Having looked at the promo for the new film, I am assuming they will leave nothing to the imagination regarding DG's vices; whereas, the 1944 version hinted around those vices, which left much to our more creative imaginations.

We own a copy of the '44 film version and watch it periodically, never tiring of it. George Sanders delivered Wilde's witty phrases like no one else before or since.
Ash
07-27-2009, 11:05 PM
The Hurd Hatfield, George Sanders, Angela Lansbury 1944 version is my favorite.

Ditto.

I love Wilde. The two plays I particluarly love were The Importance of Being Earnest and The Ideal Husband. These were both recently adapted into half way decent movies (the latter with Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Rupert Everett is well worth watching several times!)

What a sad sad end he came to, for no good reason.
LoveHistory
07-27-2009, 11:20 PM
I started reading that one but got distracted by life. I remember loving the language. Wilde was hilarious.
donroc
07-27-2009, 11:23 PM
The early 1950s Importance of Being Ernest with Michael Redgrave, Joan Greenwood, and Margaret Rutherford is also a delight to watch.
Madeleine
07-28-2009, 10:52 AM
My mum's always said that the original film scared the heck out of her. The new one looks worth a look. I might try to get the book!
Rowan
07-28-2009, 01:06 PM
Perhaps reading Oscar Wilde is a better way to be introduced to him (and his works) rather than having a stage production of The Importance of Being Earnest thrown in your general direction. To this day I could not tell you what that play is about. I tried reading Dorian Grey, but don't know why I quit.... will have to give it another go before the film's release.

@Susan: Yes I saw your photographs, which is what reminded me to post about this film. :)

@Donroc: Of course they're not leaving anything to the imagination... if you don't read (I daresay most movie goers don't.) then you have no imagination. Besides, this is the 21st century where explicitness is desirable.
LoveHistory
07-28-2009, 02:19 PM
The early 1950s Importance of Being Ernest with Michael Redgrave, Joan Greenwood, and Margaret Rutherford is also a delight to watch.


Must see if Netflix has that. IoBE is my favorite Wilde. I read the play in high school and loved it at once.
Volgadon
07-28-2009, 02:51 PM
Why is explicitness desirable?
donroc
07-28-2009, 04:01 PM
Why is explicitness desirable?

It isn't for the mature viewer, but it seems each remake tries to top the previous version in sex, gore, and special effects.

In the '44 black and white version in the scene at a filthy dive, with a moody Chopin Etude as background, DG goes upstairs with a dwarf to a room we never see and can only imagine what vices he will indulge in.

Black and white -- that is why the color portrait of DG at the end shocked the audience.