This entry is on the newly read book “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde and its relation to the newly produced movie loosely based on the book, “Dorian Gray” (2009).
I shall not succumb to the level of the indigent immigrants across the Atlantic by referring to this entry as a “blog”. The word itself is harmless enough, a Web-log, shortened to a “blog”, my prejudice is nothing towards that. It is moreover the point of when one utters “blog”, one instinctively thinks of the stout American stationed behind a computer typing about random shite in his barraque. This is nothing of the sort. This “blog” instated at this Uniform Resource Locator (URL to those less educated) is to practice my already exceptional command of the English language to help me greatly in the years to come, through my schoolwork and possibly when it comes to career choice.
And think me not as one who uses the pronoun “one” at free will. On the contrary, I try not to include it in my writings since I had been enlightened of its origin. The English language is a living language, and is ever-changing. The French language is somehow seen as one of a “posher” level. The pronoun “one” is a direct translation of the French on. On in French is used, in speech mostly, to say “we”, as in the royal “we”, which gives any situation a grander and more educated perspective. The English, taking the translation literally, have integrated this word into the language of the great 200 years ago, and used present-day rarely, for the pompous image we receive upon hearing it. The only reason it re-occurs in this entry a repeated several times is its use in “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, and you would agree that after reading, or viewing, something spectacular you do take upon its influence. Plus, I do not mind the pompous reference when using it, as I am proud. Or shameless. One and the same if you look closely enough.
Now to detour from the trailings of my mind and focus to the intent and title of this entry. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde is a magnificently written novel written by an exceptional author. Oscar Wilde is one of the most well quoted authors of all time for his witty sayings and writings. The book itself is well written, with beautifully descriptive chapters at times, and the most delightful of characters. The character I enjoyed the most was that of Lord Henry Wotten, whose beautiful cynicism is captured beautifully by Colin Firth in the movie.
This gets to my second point, the incredible inaccuracy of the movie to the book. Never before have I seen producers divert so greatly from the story as these people have. Having said that, the movie standing by itself is a great achievement, and gets Oscar Wilde’s quotes across. But the fact that they seem to have included a large amount of orgies (which only an asexual would protest to), a completely new character as far as I could tell (Lord Henry’s daughter), the completely different approach to disposing of bodies, and the way two of the characters die.
Separate these two works entertain greatly, but should be left separately.
