Summary Report

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its intriguing
storyline, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Written by Oscar Wilde and first published in
1890, the novel has been adapted into various film and television adaptations, each offering a unique
perspective on the dark and twisted tale. For my investigation, I have chosen the film “Dorian Gray”, released
in 2009. It is directed by Oliver Parker and written by Toby Finlay, it features a cast that includes Ben Barnes,
Colin Firth, Rebecca Hall, Ben Chaplin, Emilia Fox, and Rachel Hurd-Wood. The story follows an Englishman
named Dorian Gray whose youth and vitality are preserved in a magical painting, shielding him from the effects
of aging. However, as he indulges in sinful behavior, the portrait reflects his corruption.
One of the primary reasons why it is worth watching the film adaptation of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is
the exploration of the human psyche and the consequences of vanity and moral decay. The story follows the life
of Dorian Gray, a young and handsome man who becomes obsessed with his own beauty and youth. After
having his portrait painted by the talented artist Basil Hallward, Dorian makes a Faustian bargain that allows
him to retain his youthful appearance while the portrait ages and bears the marks of his sins and debauchery.
The film touches the themes of hedonism, narcissism, and the corrupting influence of society on an
individual's moral compass. As Dorian enters the life of pleasure and excess, he descends into a downward
spiral of depravity and cruelty, all while maintaining a facade of innocence and charm. The contrast between
Dorian's outward appearance and his inner corruption serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of valuing
superficial beauty over inner virtue.
There are several factors that can contribute to the investigation of the film "Dorian Gray". Here are a few
important ones:
1. Analysis of the themes and motifs present in the film, such as beauty, corruption, hedonism, and morality.
Understanding these elements can provide insight into the underlying message of the film.
2. Examination of the characters and their development throughout the story. Paying attention to how Dorian
Gray himself evolves can shed light on the overall narrative.
3. Exploration of the historical and cultural context in which the film was produced. This can help viewers
understand the societal influences that may have shaped the storyline and characters.
4. Comparison with the original source material, Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray". Looking
at how the film adapts and interprets the text can provide a richer understanding of both versions.
Investigating the film adaptation of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, it is possible to face the
challenge of ensuring that you are analyzing the film's interpretation accurately and not just the original novel.
There are often differences in how books are translated to film, so it's important to consider the director's vision
and how they may have altered the story. Additionally, one may encounter challenges in deciphering the film's
themes, symbolism, and character dynamics, as these can be subjective and open to interpretation. It's also
important to acknowledge any historical or cultural contexts that influenced the film's production and reception.
Some future areas of consideration after analyzing the film "Dorian Gray" could include exploring themes of
morality, vanity, and the consequences of living a hedonistic lifestyle. Additionally, one could be interested in
the psychological aspects of the characters and their motivations, as well as examining the impact of society and
external influences on an individual's behavior. Lastly, studying the adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel into a
film and comparing the two mediums could provide insights into storytelling techniques and the portrayal of
complex characters.
To sum up, it is necessary to add that the investigation of the film "Dorian Gray," may revolve around
several themes and elements such as the exploration of vanity, moral corruption, the pursuit of eternal youth,
and the consequences of immorality. The character of Dorian Gray himself, who remains outwardly flawless
while his portrait reflects his inner sins and decay, provides an intriguing focus for analysis. Additionally, the
film may also prompt investigations into the nature of beauty, the extent of human depravity, and the influence
of external factors on one's moral compass.