X
- 1997
- R
- Miramax
- 1 h 42 m
- 1997
- R
- Miramax
- 1 h 42 m
Summary Based on the Henry James novel, this is a provocative tale of passion, temptation, and greed. (Buena Vista Entertainment)
Directed By: Iain Softley
Written By: Henry James, Hossein Amini
- 1997
- R
- Miramax
- 1 h 42 m
- 1997
- R
- Miramax
- 1 h 42 m
The Wings of the Dove
73
8.0
Summary Based on the Henry James novel, this is a provocative tale of passion, temptation, and greed. (Buena Vista Entertainment)
Directed By: Iain Softley
Written By: Henry James, Hossein Amini
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 18 Critic Reviews
73
83% Positive
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
11% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
6% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 18 Critic Reviews
73
83% Positive
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
11% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
6% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
The difference is that Iain Softley, who directed Wings of the Dove, and his screenwriter Hossein Amini, who wrote the overlooked "Jude," are keen observers who bring a wealth of ambiguity and mystery to the surface -- and release their characters from the cliches that easily could have swallowed them.
The rigid distinction usually made between a terrific outfit movie and cinematic art is just another barrier washed away in the overflowing riches of The Wings of the Dove.
Although the film is clumsy and overheated at times, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful films of the year. Set in turn-of-the-century London and Venice, its rich colors and opulent textures will linger long after the plot has been forgotten.
Thoughtfully directed by the versatile Iain Softely from Hossein Amini's screenplay, which reduces James's intricately structured narrative to feature-film scale without losing the book's rueful psychological tone.
Visually the film impresses, with Eduardo Serra's widescreen camerawork evocatively capturing the streets and interiors of London and a rain-swept Venice. Pacing is crisp, with little time wasted on inessentials. Dialogue is often caustically witty, and the relations clearly delineated.
Achingly gorgeous in almost all respects, the film soars in its period depiction of turn-of-the-century London (and later in Venice, as well), from costuming to cinematography on down.
The movie is a modern facsimile of the potboilers James transfigured. A great movie may yet be made of James, but it will have to be done by someone who has read him.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 21 User Ratings
8.0
81% Positive
17 Ratings
17 Ratings
10% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
10% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 21 User Ratings
8.0
81% Positive
17 Ratings
17 Ratings
10% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
10% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Production Company
Miramax,
Renaissance Dove
Release Date Nov 7, 1997
Duration 1 h 42 m
Rating R
Tagline A couple with everything but money. An heiress with everything but love. A temptation no one could resist.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 4 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Nomination
BAFTA Awards
• 2 Wins & 5 Nominations
