A rare foray into costume drama by director Martin Scorsese, the adaptation of the Edith Wharton novel is a tale of the social mores and hypocrisies of nineteenth-century New York high society as a lawyer falls in love with a woman separated from her husband.
Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis – Lincoln, Gandhi), successful lawyer, respected member of society, announces his engagement to May Welland (Winona Ryder – Black Swan, Alien: Resurrection). The announcement coincides with the return to New York of May’s cousin, the Countess Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer – Hairspray, The Fabulous Baker Boys), escaping an abusive European husband. Her return scandalises polite society. Originally her defender, Archer finds in the countess a kindred spirit – and in spite of themselves, they fall in love.
A lingering, elegant unfold of a narrative with intense attention to detail, Scorsese (Taxi Driver, Hugo) beautifully captures the behind-closed-doors drawing-room society of the time. Olenska, a woman who simply knows what she does not want, is the devil incarnate to the angelic May – sly and manipulative behind the sumptuous exterior of wealth and privilege. Slow but assured, whilst The Age of Innocence may well challenge fans of Scorsese’s profane gangster films, it is a claustrophobic investment of time and emotions.
Nominated for 5 Oscars in 1994 including best supporting actress (Ryder), adapted script, art direction, won 1 for best costume design (Gabriella Pescucci – Agora, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen).
Rating: 73%
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