Review of The Age of Innocence (1993) by Cecilia C — 13 Mar 2009

Off the top, I would like to state that I?m a huge Edith Wharton fan. I?ve read almost everything by her?including nonfiction and short stories?and love her style. I?m always leery when an ?adaptation? comes out of a novel I love.

Bonfire of the Vanities is one of favorite books of the latter part of the 20th Century and I?m still reeling from that debacle. So, when I heard that this novel was being adapted for the screen, I immediately got nervous.

But, then I heard it was being directed by Martin Scorsese and I knew Wharton?s work would be in capable hands (though I thought there might be one or two added scenes of violence that old Edith didn?t really bank on).

But, alas, I needn?t had worry about any blood shed?Scorsese held true to Wharton?s vision and created a modern masterpiece out of a classic masterpiece. Sticking pretty close to the novel, the plot is about love that goes unfulfilled.

Newland Archer and May Welland look like they are destined to be a happy married couple. Enter May?s slightly colorful cousin Ellen Olenska?who Newland takes a shine to -- and vice versa. Visually, this is by far Scorsese?s most prominent use of color on film.

The film looks and feels like a fabulous artist's salon we can all just step into. And when I read the book, I had a feeling that?s exactly what Wharton wanted us to envision. Which, I think, is the best thing an adaptation can hope for?capturing the author?s true vision.

I doubt Tom Wolfe would say the film version of Bonfire of the Vanities has anything to do with his vision!