Portrait of Lady

Starring:Richard Chamberlain, Suzanne Neve, Edward Fox, Beatrix Lehmann, Alan Gifford, James Maxwell, Ed Bishop, Kathleen Byron, Rachel Gurney, Sarah Brackett, Angus MacKay, Sharon Gurney, Cavan Kendall, Susan Tebbs, Felicity Gibson, Richard Young (III), Kevork Malikyan, Michael Reubens, Marguerite Young
Director: James Cellan Jones
Studio: Bfs Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

The portrait of a BAD screenplay
What kind of moron can't see through John Malkovich?
Complex,, thought-provoking
This is why....
Too much emphasis on girl power

The Portrait of a Lady
Starring: Nicole Kidman , John Malkovich , Barbara Hershey , Mary-Louise Parker , and Martin Donovan (II)
Director: Jane Campion
Manufacturer: Polygram Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Period Piece | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: 630470755X
Release Date: 1997-11-19

Amazon.com essential video

Leave it to New Zealand director Jane Campion (The Piano, Angel at My Table) to begin an adaptation of Henry James's great novel (set in the late 1800s) with a group of late-20th-century women from Down Under talking about the importance of a kiss. Like any good film adaptation (and it's a very good one, indeed), this exquisitely framed and mounted Portrait of a Lady is at least as much Campion as it is James. The story of strong-willed, independent-minded Isabel Archer (Nicole Kidman, whose skin here is photographed like delicate porcelain) is a tricky one to dramatize, since it's largely about good intentions going awry, roads not taken, misguided decisions made for good reasons. Headstrong American orphan Isabel rejects the proposal of a decent, sensible English suitor, Lord Warburton (Richard E. Grant), because she wants to find her own destiny and identity first. Instead, she is seduced by Gilbert Osmond (John Malkovich), an effete collector of art (and women) whom one character describes as a "sterile dilettante." How Isabel's life, and the lives of those who love her, are affected by this fateful (but irreversible?) decision is what the bulk of the film is about. Portrait of a Lady is lovely, heartbreaking, and at times terrifying--as only coming face-to-face with the consequences of one's own life-changing decisions can be. Gorgeously photographed in anamorphic widescreen format. --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

The portrait of a BAD screenplay.......2007-05-25

I will start first by saying that," NO...I have not read the Henry James' novel." That said, my job is to review the Jane Campion film and Laura Jones written screenplay.Having seen this film several times over the years since it first was released in the theatres, I have pondered why this film has never really connected with me until today. I do believe that the real problem with this film is the screenplay itself. Laura Jones also adapted Peter Carey's OSCAR AND LUCINDA and the same problem exists in that film as it does in THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY......short scenes, uneven character development and a lack of "glue" that ties it all together to make the viewer have a total sense of identification with the characters and their situations.Jane Campion certainly has a beautiful sense of how a film should look and feel visually, but this screenplay screams for the viewer to run to read the source material to truly understand character motivation.

As in OSCAR AND LUCINDA, I read the book after viewing the film in order to REALLY understand what the film SO lacked.In other Henry James' film adaptations, such as THE BOSTONIANS and THE EUROPEANS, the treatment of James' material was much better (BOSTONIANS being the better of the two IMO). In THE PORTRAIT OF THE LADY, Laura Jones' script simply does not capture and distill the characters and the plot enough to grab a viewer for screen watching alone. The BBC mini series of PORTRAIT from the 1960's has alot more information in it, but it is still rather dull and is centered in the character Ralph Touchett and not Isabel Archer.Standing on it's own, without the book or other screen adaptations, Jane Campion's film is as cold as ice, filmed in dark blues with little light,and very disjointed. For all of it's gorgeous costuming, elegant set design and some moments of brilliant acting, PORTRAIT OF A LADY cannot overcome it's one biggest, glaring fault.....a BAD screenplay. Laura Jones should NOT adapt source material beyond her scope.

What kind of moron can't see through John Malkovich? .......2007-04-29

John Malkovich plays this creep creepily just as he played Valmont in the American movie Dangerous Liasons. Ugh. Unknowing girlchiks, here's a litmus test to help you avoid Isabelle Archer's fate: Do you think this guy will ever help you move that heavy armoire up or down the stairs? NO!!! So kick him to the curb, slam the door in his face, IGNORE him. His type has no innate power, he only has power that you give to him.

Martin Donovan is all voice and Mary Louise Parker is all scary in this movie. But this might be too much voice from Martin Donovan.

Wow. I can't believe that there are people who could ruin their lives like this.

Complex,, thought-provoking.......2006-08-27

The unusualness of this movie intriqued me so much that I have to give it 4 stars!!The prose and oral exchanges of the characters are very stimulating....For someone to watch @ understand this movie they have to be reasonably intelligent. A few times I paused the movie to think about what the characters meant in their converses (especially the scenes involving Malkovich @ Hershey)... I can see why the average person would think this movie is slow and dull, but the great part of this movie are the subtle conversations that take place. (Ex. When Isabel is explaining to Lord Warburton why he shouldn't marry Pansy and the dialogues between Isabel and Ralph). The ending is great as well. Not catering to the average moviegoers' sensibilities, it leaves the viewer wondering what might happen just as the book does. Alas, for this movie to be enjoyed, one needs to have an appreciation for literature. The musical score gets 5 stars!!!

This is why...........2006-04-24

I ADORE period movies! The acting, scenes, story line...character growth is beyond amazing. The scenery is breathtaking. The movie pulls at my soul and heart....

And I love the ending....so much intense possibilty with that one pause and backward glance. Nicole Kidman was superb in this adaption. All the other actors as well were excellent.

This is by far the best adaption of Portrait of a Lady I have yet seen.

Too much emphasis on girl power.......2005-12-31

I have a hard time taking Jame Campion's work seriously, because she has such a chip on her shoulder. She'll find a way to present such a male-centered classic like "Portrait of a Lady" through her own feminist filter. Once again, she tries to show how wicked manipulative men try to bring down a "strong idealistic woman". Really, Jane Campion is better off adapting the works of Sapho. She should leave dead white male authors alone. She and Cher need to get together and organize a self-pitying feminist fest.

Average customer rating:

A LUSH AND BEAUTIFUL PERIOD PIECE...

The Portrait of a Lady [Region 2]
Starring: Nicole Kidman , John Malkovich , Barbara Hershey , Mary-Louise Parker , and Martin Donovan (II)
Director: Jane Campion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005ABUL

Customer Reviews:

A LUSH AND BEAUTIFUL PERIOD PIECE..........2006-07-27

Jane Campion is a brilliant director who can direct a film and convey much with a minimum of language and action. Her film, "The Piano" is a testament to that innate talent. This would lead one to believe that directing an adaptation of a Henry James novel would be a natural segue for her.

While this is a lush and beautiful period piece, the problem with it is that it is somewhat dull. Despite stellar performances by Barbara Hershey and the supporting cast, the main star, Nicole Kidman, is out of her league, though she is a luminous beauty and has some acting ability. The problem is that her performance lacks the presence or depth necessary to transcend the material and make this a truly interesting film. She just is not good enough an actress to be able to carry this type of storyline and engage the viewer in the lead role of wealthy expatriate, Isabel Archer.

Moreover, while John Malkovich gives a wonderful performance as the malevolent Gilbert Osmond, he is decidedly miscast as he is simply not charismatic enough to make it believable that the rich and beautiful Isabel Archer would throw caution to the wind over such an unattractive and, decidedly, sinister man. It is unfortunate, as the film is an otherwise fairly faithful adaptation of Henry James' complex novel of the same name. It could have been a contender.

Average customer rating:

Stagebound Adaptation of a Classic
Like a high school production.....
Good Companion to Campion's Version
IF YOU HAVE BEEN HATED - YOU HAVE ALSO BEEN ADORED!
Droll and Disappointing

Portrait of Lady
Starring: Richard Chamberlain , Suzanne Neve , Edward Fox , Beatrix Lehmann , and Alan Gifford
Director: James Cellan Jones
Manufacturer: Bfs Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000069HRU
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Customer Reviews:

Stagebound Adaptation of a Classic.......2007-03-30

This television movie was very popular at the time of its release in 1968, now its luster has somewhat diminished and may only appeal to those familiar with the story. Nevertheless, it's worth the while. This interpretation is a much more faithful version of Henry James's novel than Jane Campion's 1996 version (with its talking beans and bewildering title sequence featuring what seemed to be a contemporary day in the woods for a women's college), yet it's that same faithfulness that is also its biggest weak spot.

The opening third of the novel has often been criticized as being slow; while it sets up the characters well, the true story doesn't gain momentum until Isabel meets Madame Merle and goes to Florence. The first hour is a bit slow, (even though I don't really have a problem with the opening of the novel) and it took me a while to warm up to Suzanne Neve as Isabel. I found Neve to be the strongest after Isabel marries Gilbert Osmond and she matures. I also had to think of this production as a stage play because the directing style reflects that: characters have their backs turned to the person they're addressing, the acting style is overemphatic but by the second hour, I got over the bad American accents and found myself enjoying it immensely.

It's interesting to note that both filmed versions of "Portrait" have never told the story to the very last pages. I think a lot of people have problems with Isabel's final decision, and it would bring down the viewers, as it has many readers. We want Isabel to have much more hopeful future than James gave to her.

Like a high school production............2006-04-24

I checked this out at the library and egads..what junk! I am a huge fan of period movies and have seen almost every one out there more than once. So coming across a new one I hadn't seen before, I was quite excited.

What a disappointment! The set were very fake, like obvious fake backdrops in the garden and trees. The costumes were a joke. Something a high school seamstress got up. And least of all the stilted and atrocious acting.

I couldn't sit through more than 30 min. of this. I fast forwarded to other parts, just as HORRIBLE.

If you can check it out at a library, go for it and see. Don't buy it and be extremely disappointed!

Good Companion to Campion's Version.......2005-06-01

I was drawn to this 4-hour BBC version because I found that Jane Campion's highly stylized 2-hour version--while beautiful and lyrical--omitted major points of the story that the viewer really must know the novel to fill in any missing gaps. For instance, I found that the Campion version didn't fully address *why* Isabel would be drawn to Gilbert Osmond. In my opinion, this BBC version gives more time to their courtship and at least offers up a more plausible reason. Another shortcoming of the Campion film is that it truncated Caspar Goodwood's part, making it difficult to follow the full arc of Caspar's and Isabel's relationship. On the other hand, I like Campion's ending better because it features Isabel's and Caspar's final scene together, which is quite poetic in its own right. The BBC version ends with just the final, poignant scene between Isabel and her cousin, Ralph.

Another major difference between the two films is how the part of Gilbert Osmond was played. I had a little difficulty watching John Malkovich in the Campion version because I thought he played it too closely to his brilliant Valmont character in "Dangerous Liaisons," which actually spoiled the fun. You knew immediately where this character was going. The actor in the BBC version, I thought, played the role with perfect pitch, slowly revealing Osmond's deviousness.

As for Cousin Ralph, both Richard Chamberlain (BBC version) and Martin Donovan (Campion version) did a wonderful job with their roles. You couldn't wait for either one of them to reappear on the screen.

All in all, both film versions have something to offer and I recommend each as a complement to the other.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN HATED - YOU HAVE ALSO BEEN ADORED!.......2004-07-09

Who can resist the wonderful novels by Henry James, and the intriguing characters they inspire? The role of Ralph Touchett is one of Richard Chamberlain's finest performances. Give him a character named Ralph, and he seems to become magnificent. His performance, in this wonderful British mini-series was so noteworthy, it captured the attention of Peter Dews, who cast him in Hamlet, (another outstanding performance) and later, the controversial Ken Russell, would give him the starring role as Peter Tchaikovsky, in his visually stimulating masterpiece, The Music Lovers. Being familiar with all the works of the talented and versatile Richard Chamberlain, I continue to favor this outstanding performance. Portrait Of A Lady opened a door, through which the sweet Dr. Kildare exited, and Richard Chamberlain, the acclaimed classical stage and film actor, emerged.

Ralph Touchett was the rich, but sickly cousin of Isabel Archer, suffering with Consumption, a terminal condition, which caused him to take a back seat in life as a spectator. Determined to meet the requirements of his imagination, he invested in his cousin Isabel, giving her half of his vast inheritance. This investment came with a no strings attached freedom, to pursue her mysterious purposes and fulfill her unconventional desires.
Ralph's faith in her was challenged as he watched her make a disasterous choice in a husband, who married her for the money she inherited. Ralph's physical suffering was trivial compared to the pain he felt when his spirited cousin no longer soared, but sank into a deep unhappiness.

On his deathbed, Richard delivered some of the most memorable lines of his career. As Isabel confesses her mistake to her gentle and generous cousin, Ralph tells her he always understood, that she needed to look at life for herself, and that hers was a generous mistake. He assures her, it would only hurt for awhile, for if she has been hated, she has also been ADORED! These words meant more to me, after reading Richard's best selling book, SHATTERED LOVE. This beloved actor, spent most of his life, fearing he would be hated...when all the while...he has been ADORED!

Droll and Disappointing.......2003-12-25

Many the world over raved after this television version of Henry James' story, The Portrait of a Lady, aired in 1968 on the BBC, mostly due to Richard Chamberlain's performance as Ralph Touchett. I myself, being an avid fan of the novel, found the film dull and uninspiring compared to it's literary counterpart. The pace was slow, the acting dry and the American accents horrid, and the anticipation of what many critics called "the BEST version" of the film led to severe disappointment. I caution, though, that I am not used to 1960's BBC productions, so someone else may find it as charming as I find it droll. On the positive side, the Edwardian costumes were quite lovely, and I won't deny the fact that Richard Chamberlain was the most entertaining of the cast. Compared to the 1996 version starring Nicole Kidman, Barbara Hershey, and John Malkovich, I would suggest the 1996 version if you really want to delve into the psyche of Isabel Archer and the games played by Serena Merle and Gilbert Osmond.

Average customer rating:

N is a Number: A Portrait of Paul Erdös
Starring: Paul Erdös MATHEMATICIANS , various Epsilons , Gyula Katona , Elise Patterson , and Gene
Director: George Paul Csicsery
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

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MY BRAIN IS OPEN: The Mathematical Journeys of Paul Erdos
NOVA: Newton's Dark Secrets (2005)
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ASIN: B0002MQFI2
Release Date: 2004-07-04

Description

This listing is offered to individuals for private viewing.

A man with no home and no job, Paul Erdös was the most prolific mathematician who ever lived. Born in Hungary in 1913, Erdös wrote and co-authored over 1,500 papers and pioneered several fields in theoretical mathematics. At the age of 83 he still spent most of his time on the road, going from math meeting to math meeting, continually working on problems. He died on September 20, 1996 while attending such a meeting in Warsaw, Poland. N is a Number: A Portrait of Paul Erdös was filmed between 1988 and 1991.

The structure of N is a Number is based on Erdös's 50 years of perpetual wandering, "like a bumblebee," carrying news and mathematical information from university to university. Erdös established himself as a serious mathematician at the age of 20 when he devised a more elegant proof for Chebyshev's theorem, i.e., that there is always a prime number between any number and its double.

In an age dominated by technical wizardry and high tech communications, Erdös was an unusual human link connecting hundreds of people. As he traveled from country to country, Erdös carried with him the latest in mathematical thinking, inspiring others to develop new ideas and, sometimes, entire new fields. In turn, the mathematical community supported this repository of centuries of mathematical knowledge and lore. Every mathematician in the world has an "Erdös Number"-the number of people he or she is removed from having co-authored a paper with Erdös.

N is a Number is a one-hour 16mm documentary filmed over a four-year period in four countries between 1988 and 1991. The film was produced, directed and edited by George Paul Csicsery.

Customer Reviews:

IT COULD HAVE BEEN A CONTENDER..........2006-05-28

Jane Campion is a brilliant director who can direct a film and convey much with a minimum of language and action. Her film, "The Piano" is a testament to that innate talent. This would lead one to believe that directing an adaptation of a Henry James novel would be a natural segue for her.

While this is a lush and beautiful period piece, the problem with it is that it is somewhat dull. Despite stellar performances by Barbara Hershey and the supporting cast, the main star, Nicole Kidman, is out of her league, though she is a luminous beauty and has some acting ability. The problem is that her performance lacks the presence or depth necessary to transcend the material and make this a truly interesting film. She just is not good enough an actress to be able to carry this type of storyline and engage the viewer in the lead role of wealthy expatriate, Isabel Archer.

Moreover, while John Malkovich gives a wonderful performance as the malevolent Gilbert Osmond, he is decidedly miscast as he is simply not charismatic enough to make it believable that Isabel Archer would throw caution to the wind over such an unattractive and, decidedly, sinister man. It is unfortunate, as the film is an otherwise fairly faithful adaptation of Henry James' complex novel of the same name. It could have been a contender.

Portrait Of A Lady [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Great Britain ]

Average customer rating:

A LUSH AND BEAUTIFUL PERIOD PIECE...

Portrait Of A Lady [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Great Britain ]
Director: Jane Campion
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000AM5102

Product Description

Great Britain released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. Languages: o Dutch (subtitles) o English (subtitles) o French (subtitles) o Italian (subtitles) o Portugese (subtitles) o Spanish (subtitles) o English (Dolby Digital 5.1) o French (Dolby Digital 5.1) o Italian (Dolby Digital 2.0) o Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0) Synopsis: Jane Campion directed this expressive adaptation of the classic novel by Henry James. Isabel Archer (Nicole Kidman) is a young American woman who, after the death of her parents, has been sent to England to visit relatives. While her family's tragedy has left her penniless, Isabel's beauty has earned her the attentions of a number of eligible men. When Isabel turns down a proposal of marriage from the wealthy Lord Warburton (Richard E. Grant) because she does not love him, her cousin Ralph (Martin Donovan), who is also smitten with her, arranges for his father to leave her a fortune before succumbing to tuberculosis so that she may live as an independent woman. Isabel takes a tour of Europe, where she meets Madame Merle (Barbara Hershey), a jaded sophisticate and matchmaker who introduces her to Gilbert Osmond (John Malkovich), a widowed American artist living abroad. Isabel falls in love with Gilbert and they marry, but his sloth and opportunism soon begin to wear on her, and three years later she is desperate to get out of their relationship. The Portrait of a Lady also stars John Gielgud, Mary-Louise Parker, Christian Bale, and Shelley Winters. Special Features: o Documentary o Interactive Menu o Production Notes o Scene Access o Trailer(s)

Customer Reviews:

A LUSH AND BEAUTIFUL PERIOD PIECE..........2006-04-24

Jane Campion is a brilliant director who can direct a film and convey much with a minimum of language and action. Her film, "The Piano" is a testament to that innate talent. This would lead one to believe that directing an adaptation of a Henry James novel would be a natural segue for her.

While this is a lush and beautiful period piece, the problem with it is that it is somewhat dull. Despite stellar performances by Barbara Hershey and the supporting cast, the main star, Nicole Kidman, is out of her league, though she is a luminous beauty and has some acting ability. The problem is that her performance lacks the presence or depth necessary to transcend the material and make this a truly interesting film. She just is not good enough an actress to be able to carry this type of storyline and engage the viewer in the lead role of wealthy expatriate, Isabel Archer.

Moreover, while John Malkovich gives a wonderful performance as the malevolent Gilbert Osmond, he is decidedly miscast as he is simply not charismatic enough to make it believable that Isabel Archer would throw caution to the wind over such an unattractive and, decidedly, sinister man. It is unfortunate, as the film is an otherwise fairly faithful adaptation of Henry James' complex novel of the same name. It could have been a contender.

Average customer rating:

IT COULD HAVE BEEN A CONTENDER...

The Portrait of a Lady

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

PLOT SUMMARY: Isabel Archer, an American heiress and free thinker travels to Europe to find herself. She tactfully rebuffs the advances of Caspar Goodwood, another American who has followed her to England. Her cousin, Ralph Touchett, wise but sickly becomes a soulmate of sorts for her. She makes an unfortunate alliance with the creepy Madame Merle who leads her to make an even more unfortunate alliance with Gilbert Osmond, a smooth but cold collector of Objets' de art who seduces her with an intense but unattainable sexuality. Isabel marries Osmond only to realize she's just another piece of art for his collection and that Madame Merle and Osmond are lovers who had hatched a diabolical scheme to take Isabel's fortune. Isabel's only comfort is the innocent daughter of Osmond, Pansy, but even that friendship is spoiled when Merle reveals the child's true parentage. Isabel finally breaks free of Osmond and returns to Ralph's bedside, where, while breathing his last, they both realize how truly connected they are, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. [IMDB - Teresa B. O'Donnell] ~~ This import from Hong Kong has English/Italian audio with optional English or Chinese subtitles. Special Features: Cast, Synopsis, Interactive Menus, Scene Selection.

Customer Reviews:

IT COULD HAVE BEEN A CONTENDER..........2006-10-26

Jane Campion is a brilliant director who can direct a film and convey much with a minimum of language and action. Her film, "The Piano" is a testament to that innate talent. This would lead one to believe that directing an adaptation of a Henry James novel would be a natural segue for her.

While this is a lush and beautiful period piece, the problem with it is that it is somewhat dull. Despite stellar performances by Barbara Hershey and the supporting cast, the main star, Nicole Kidman, is out of her league, though she is a luminous beauty and has some acting ability. The problem is that her performance lacks the presence or depth necessary to transcend the material and make this a truly interesting film. She just is not good enough an actress to be able to carry this type of storyline and engage the viewer in the lead role of wealthy expatriate, Isabel Archer.

Moreover, while John Malkovich gives a wonderful performance as the malevolent Gilbert Osmond, he is decidedly miscast as he is simply not charismatic enough to make it believable that Isabel Archer would throw caution to the wind over such an unattractive and, decidedly, sinister man. It is unfortunate, as the film is an otherwise fairly faithful adaptation of Henry James' complex novel of the same name. It could have been a contender.

Average customer rating:

Portrait Of A Lady In A Swift Carriage Of A Dark Night
A LUSH AND BEAUTIFUL PERIOD PIECE...

The Portrait of a Lady

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Plot Summary for The Portrait of a Lady: Isabel Archer, an American heiress and free thinker travels to Europe to find herself. She tactfully rebuffs the advances of Caspar Goodwood, another American who has followed her to England. Her cousin, Ralph Touchett, wise but sickly becomes a soulmate of sorts for her. She makes an unfortunate alliance with the creepy Madame Merle who leads her to make an even more unfortunate alliance with Gilbert Osmond, a smooth but cold collector of Objets' de art who seduces her with an intense but unattainable sexuality. Isabel marries Osmond only to realize she's just another piece of art for his collection and that Madame Merle and Osmond are lovers who had hatched a diabolical scheme to take Isabel's fortune. Isabel's only comfort is the innocent daughter of Osmond, Pansy, but even that friendship is spoiled when Merle reveals the child's true parentage. Isabel finally breaks free of Osmond and returns to Ralph's bedside, where, while breathing his last, they both realize how truly connected they are, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. [IMDB - Teresa B. Donnell] This officially licensed ASIAN release has English/Italian audio with optional English or Chinese subtitles and these SPECIAL FEATURES: Cast, Synopsis, Interactive Menus, Scene Selection.

Customer Reviews:

Portrait Of A Lady In A Swift Carriage Of A Dark Night.......2006-02-17

Two themes characterize Henry James' novels and are wonderfully rendered in this film: they are fortune hunting and the depiction of wealthy guileless naive Americans in the hands of sophisticated wordly Europeans. Isabel Archer is such a creation, an American transplant to England exploring her self and future, and full of beauty and promise. At the outset she rejects Lord Warburton, the man who should be perfect for her, so she can find her 'self' and let light into her soul. "I am very fond of my liberty...I wish to choose my fate" she tells her cousin, Ralph Touchett who also is in love with her. Isabel's idea of happiness is a romantic journey into the unknown, "A swift carriage ride, of a dark night..." She appears to be independent and full of purpose, but Isabel is also an innocent with a streak of sensuality in her being. In her naivete' she mistakes the heartless Gilbert Osmund's sensual indulgments for refinement and is captivated by him, while he determines to possess her for her money. The marriage is a disaster for Isabel whose world becomes darker and progressively more oppressive. At last the mortal illness of her cousin, Ralph, allows her to escape Osmund and go back to England. Now all has come full circle, she is older, wiser, she meets again another ex-suitor, Casper Goodwood. He pleads with her to leave Osmund and make a new life for herself with him. She is back at the moment where it all began and she can start over, she has only to make the choice.

It is not only Henry James plot but the way director Campion presents it that makes this film great and utterly intriguing with every viewing. Nichole Kidman presents a marvelous performance of a woman pursuing not only her vision but also struggling with forces within herself and around her that she, at first, doesn't understand. Kidman is the perfect foil for John Malkovich's superb portrayal of Osmund, a shallow sinister dilettante who manipulates Isabel, his daughter, and his ex-mistress like objects. In Campion's settings the lighting of the opulent surroundings dims as Isabel's world closes about her. In the final scene she makes her choice and turns away from the welcoming warmth of Casper Goodwood's world; she chooses to remain out in the cold. She's not stupid. She's no longer innocent, but she rejects the light for the dark and returns to her abuser. Why?

In her rejection of one promising suitor after another, men who are clearly devoted to her, Isabel reveals that engulfing love terrifies her because it will destroy her independence. The only man she can totally give her love to is her cousin Ralph Touchett, on his deathbed, since she will be free again after he dies. We see also in her early fantasy of a threesome with her suitors that there is a strong element of sensuality in her persona that Osmund perceives and exploits, even to the degree that she is roused as he abuses her. Certainly Osmund doesn't love her. She now knows she is nothing but an ornamental bankroll in his shallow world so she no longer has to surrender her independence to him. Yet she returns to him because he challenges her in ways that other suitors never could, and in this Isabel emerges as the most subtle, complex, courageous, and triumphant persona of all.

In fact Henry James modeled Isabel Archer after his patroness, Isabella Stuart Gardner, whose life is revealed in Douglass Shand-Tucci's biography, "The Art Of Scandal".

A LUSH AND BEAUTIFUL PERIOD PIECE..........2005-08-23

Jane Campion is a brilliant director who can direct a film and convey much with a minimum of language and action. Her film, "The Piano" is a testament to that innate talent. This would lead one to believe that directing an adaptation of a Henry James novel would be a natural segue for her.

While this is a lush and beautiful period piece, the problem with it is that it is somewhat dull. Despite stellar performances by Barbara Hershey and the supporting cast, the main star, Nicole Kidman, is out of her league, though she is a luminous beauty and has some acting ability. The problem is that her performance lacks the presence or depth necessary to transcend the material and make this a truly interesting film. She just is not good enough an actress to be able to carry this type of storyline and engage the viewer in the lead role of wealthy expatriate, Isabel Archer.

Moreover, while John Malkovich gives a wonderful performance as the malevolent Gilbert Osmond, he is decidedly miscast as he is simply not charismatic enough to make it believable that Isabel Archer would throw caution to the wind over such an unattractive and, decidedly, sinister man. It is unfortunate, as the film is an otherwise fairly faithful adaptation of Henry James' complex novel of the same name. It could have been a contender.

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