DVD/150: THE AGE OF INNOCENCE (Martin Scorsese, 1993)

Scorsese's lavish adaptation of Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel echoes epic screen dramas like GONE WITH THE WIND or THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS and the films of Ophuls and Visconti, but with flourishes of his own psychological dramas.

There was surprise that Scorsese wanted to film it but the strict moral rules of 19th Century New York high society are shown to be as dangerous to flout as any gangland tale.

Lawyer Newland Archer is aware of but overlooks the strict morality and quiet hypocrisis of his class, especially as he is just engaged to the innocent May Welland.

Life changes with the arrival of May's cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska, fleeing an unhappy European marriage. Society disapproves of Ellen's wayward ways but as Ellen is the daughter of Old Money she is tolerated.

Newland is captivated by Ellen's unconventional directness; they fall in love but society imperceptibly forces them apart.

Shelf or charity shop?  It's living in the DVD limbo of the plastic storage box, but it's a definite keeper because of Scorsese's direction, Michael Ballhaus's excellent cinematography, it's exquisite production design, sweeping Elmer Bernstein score and luminious performances from Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder and Miriam Margolyes; Wharton's voice comes through loud and clear thanks to Joanne Woodward's excellent narration.