Review of The Portrait of a Lady (1996) by Irene R — 29 Jul 2009

It was really difficult to sit through this bit, although I must admit I loved Malkovich's performance - this movie didn't do any of the amazing actors justice. it was both beautiful and interesting and yet it lasted far too long to impress, let alone captivate me.

although I'm fond of sad movies in general, 'the portrait of a lady' seemed worth pitying rather than really shedding tears for. it is ambiguous but not intriguing, complicated but not challenging, curious but not deep.

three stars is probably more than Jane Campion deserves for this movie, simply because having actors like Malkovich, Kidman, Bale and Hershey involved could have given much riper fruit than this depressing little visual tale.