"Firth is an absolute delight, toying with his prey in a period role that suits his measurable talents. Barnes is equally impressive..."

Bad, bad Barnes: Fans, be prepared for a huge shock to the system as Narnia hero Ben Barnes as devilish Dorian Gray matures before your very eyes into a deviant, arrogant and uglier version of the young man introduced at the beginning of this period drama. Indeed Gray's opening scene will prompt many gasps from the Barnes fan club, as he carries out an unspeakable act of violence. Reminiscent to a 'period Devils Advocate', there are slight alterations to Oscar Wilde's original work, The Picture Of Dorian Gray (1890), by screenwriter Toby Finlay that do not affect the enjoyment to be had out of this film about being fearless in life, as well as one of man's major sin: vanity. ---------

One clear difference between the book and the film is Basil Hallward's (played by Ben Chaplin) infatuation with Dorian that is not as clearly represented or dwelled on as in the original. However, there is a wonderfully witty side played out, brilliantly captured by Colin Firth's scene-stealing portrayal as the tart and wicked Lord Henry Wotton. Firth is an absolute delight, toying with his prey in a period role that suits his measurable talents. Barnes is equally impressive, dispelling any initial doubts as to his casting in the lead, and it is thrilling to see him venturing as boldly as his character into the unknown, in terms of this career path. Leaving the security of the Disney fold was a wise move for such a young actor to avoid stereotyping that appears to dog, say, Zac Efron. By choosing roles wisely, Barnes's gamble appears to have paid off, progressing from the intriguing Easy Virtue, to a far sinister Dorian Gray. ----------

The production has all the atmosphere of a classic gothic horror with gloomy East End streets of London, uninviting and cold buildings, and Gray's dungeon-styled attic. Director Oliver Parker who previously brought two Wilde stories to the screen (An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest) is ideally suited to recreating the menacing 1900 scenes in this film, and the uneasy sensation of high society debauchery spiralling out of control is ever present in parts as Parker's version has the freedom to explore just what would happen if you were allowed to do anything, without obvious consequences; to investigate what is right and what is wrong; and to demonstrate that the obsession with staying young and the secrets of eternal youth has always been a major issue with every generation past.

Such alluring topics will resonate with today's audiences, breathing fresh new life into Wilde's tale, and with a stellar cast in tow, Parker's film is a pleasing and thought-provoking adaptation to see. ---------

Synopsis -------

Young Dorian arrives fresh on the London social scene and is taken under the wing of Lord Henry Wotton (Firth) who introduces him to the seedy pleasures of London life. When Dorian sees how incredible he looks in a newly painted picture of himself, he swears to do whatever it takes to look as young and handsome in real life as he does in the picture - forever. --------

His stunning good looks and charm soon attract the celebrity lifestyle and everything that it brings. Dorian finds himself slipping deeper and deeper into a world of sin, sex and celebrity, seemingly without any consequences. But as his actions become increasingly evil, for how long can he hide the secret behind his eternal youth? ------

Film Facts ------

Official site: http://www1.orange.co.uk/doriangray/

UK Release Date: 9th September 2009

Director: Oliver Parker

Writers: Toby Finlay, Oscar Wilde (novel)

Cast: Ben Barnes ('Dorian Gray'), Colin Firth ('Lord Henry Wotton'), Ben Chaplin ('Basil Hallward'), Rebecca Hall ('Emily Wotton'), Fiona Shaw ('Agatha'), Emilia Fox ('Lady Victoria Wotton'), Rachel Hurd-Wood ('Sybil Vane')

Distributor: Momentum Pictures

Certificate: 15

Run-time: 112 mins

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