Portrait of a Lady Movie Review 1996

Adapted from the century-old Henry James novel, "Portrait" paints the story of independent and newly wealthy American, Isabel Archer (Kidman). Abroad in Europe, she falls under the influence of the bitter, opportunistic Madame Merle (Hershey, in a strong portrayal), who manages to steer the innocent Isabel into a disastrous marriage with Gilbert Osmond (Malkovich). From there, film deals with Isabel's efforts to flee the domineering Osmond and find herself again. Kidman plays her role with never-before-seen efficiency. Malkovich is suitably evil but plays his villain card a bit too early. Director Campion's modern voice carries the film through, but is sometimes out of place, as in the opening segment. Filmed in England and Italy.

Distribution

USA Home Entertainment, 1 W. Forest, Englewood, NJ 07631-4004, Phone: (201)871-1000, URL: http://www.polygram-us.com

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 142 minutes.
Originally from British.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Historical Drama, Books to Film: Henry James, Period Piece: 19th Century, Coming of Age, Women, Scams, Stings & Cons, Marriage, Rome--Modern, Great Britain, Cousins, Historical Romance

Screenplay

Laura Jones

Cast

Nicole Kidman, John Malkovich, Barbara Hershey, Martin Donovan, Christian Bale, Shelley Winters, Shelley Duvall, Mary-Louise Parker, Richard E. Grant, John Gielgud, Viggo Mortensen

Cinematography

Stuart Dryburgh

Director

Jane Campion

Music

Wojciech Kilar

Producer

Monty Montgomery, Steve Golin, Polygram Filmed Entertainment, Propaganda Films, Gramercy Pictures

Awards

L.A. Film Critics 1996: Support. Actress (Hershey); Natl. Soc. Film Critics 1996: Support. Actor (Donovan), Support. Actress (Hershey).