The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) Review in 2025
A classic tale of vanity, morality, and the supernatural, set in the late 19th century, starring George Sanders as the enigmatic Dorian Gray.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of classic horror and Gothic literature, but it may not be suitable for younger viewers due to mature themes and some violence.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows the story of Dorian Gray, a young and beautiful man who becomes infatuated with his own image and makes a Faustian bargain to keep his youth and beauty forever, while his portrait ages and reflects the true state of his soul.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and faithful to Oscar Wilde's novel, but it suffers from some pacing issues and a somewhat predictable plot.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, particularly George Sanders, who brings depth and complexity to the title character.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, particularly Dorian Gray, who is portrayed with great nuance by George Sanders.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, but it lacks a sense of tension and suspense, which is necessary for a horror film.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is beautiful and atmospheric, capturing the opulence and decadence of the Victorian era.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Faithful adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel, beautiful cinematography, superb acting, and a classic tale of vanity and morality.
Cons
Predictable plot, some pacing issues, and a lack of tension and suspense.
Notable Quotes
"I can resist everything except temptation."
"We can have in life but one great experience at best, and the secret of life is to reproduce that experience as often as possible."
