Dorian Gray

Dorian Gray (Barnes) has the only two things worth having, says Lord Henry Wotton (Firth): "looks and youth". His beauty captivates the artist Basil Hallward (Ben Chaplin), who paints a life-like picture of him. It is better than life, in fact. Unlike Dorian, the picture will always look the same. This is the moment when Dorian Gray, in this latest film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's only novel, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', changes. He unwittingly sells his soul to the picture and things are never the same again.

Lord Henry takes Dorian under his wing and introduces him to the seedier side of London. Once Dorian gets a taste for this life, there's no turning back. He soon allows himself to be sucked into the world of sex, drugs and depravity. He goes from being the young, innocent country boy to a cruel shadow of a human being. Is he truly beyond redemption?

The film attempts to draw comparisons between the novel and today's celebrity- and youth-obsessed culture. The omission of the word "picture" from the title is because the film is an exploration of Dorian's character rather than his relationship and obsession with his painting. Toby Finlay's screenplay is a valiant attempt at exploring a rather difficult psychological character. It succeeds only partially. Dorian seems to be reacting to his circumstances rather than choosing them. However, it is still a commendable effort, given that this is Finlay's debut. Barnes is stunning, and despite his dark hair, makes an incredible Dorian Gray. His acting is impressive and quite a departure from his earlier work. And, of course, there's Colin Firth. Watch him in a role like you've never seen before.

Monita Mohan