Dorian Gray in the Mirror of the Yellow Press
Dorian Gray in the Mirror of the Yellow Press

Movie spotlight

Dorian Gray in the Mirror of the Yellow Press

1984
Movie
150 min
German

The final installment in Ulrike Ottinger’s Berlin Trilogy (following TICKET OF NO RETURN and FREAK ORLANDO) casts Delphine Seyrig as the nefarious Fritz Lang supervillain Dr. Mabuse, here the head of a powerful media empire that seeks to create headlines by manufacturing (and then publicly destroying) its own celebrity: the wealthy, handsome playboy Dorian Gray.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Director: Sergei SolovyovGenres: Drama, Fantasy

Plot Summary

This film is a loose adaptation of Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," set in Soviet Russia. It explores themes of vanity, corruption, and the consequences of one's choices through the story of a young man who remains eternally youthful while his portrait ages and reflects his sins. The narrative delves into the moral decay that occurs when superficial beauty and pleasure are prioritized over integrity and genuine connection.

Critical Reception

The film was noted for its ambitious adaptation of a classic novel to a Soviet context and its exploration of timeless themes. While some critics found it a complex and thought-provoking work, others commented on its deliberately paced narrative and philosophical depth. It is often seen as a significant work within Soviet cinema of the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique Soviet interpretation of Wilde's classic.

  • Commended for its exploration of moral decay and vanity.

  • Some found the pacing deliberate and the themes heavy.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film's title itself reflects a thematic link to the sensationalist journalism of the late 19th century, often referred to as 'yellow press,' suggesting a commentary on superficiality and the public's fascination with scandal and appearance.

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