The Portrait of a Lady (1996)

I've repeatedly seen this movie, I simply can't help myself from watching this example of good taste that has the ideas, the feeling, the meanings and also the means of a work of art. This movie is simply adorable from the beginning to the end. The actors, the story, the costumes, the soundtrack, scenery, everything is beautiful and full of authenticity. The adaptation from the novel appropriately reveals the subtle, simple and total story about life and mistakes, not only about women, but an extension about choosing wrong and about chances of choosing again, of hoping. But hoping itself is a choice, we all have the choice of hoping or not. This category is called "sublime" in art I guess...

I remember going to see this movie with a boyfriend back in 1997. I wanted to see this movie because I thought it would be romantic. I practically had to drag my boyfriend to see it with me, he laughed and slept thru most of it, while I tried desperately to understand the plot of the story. Nothing in this movie captured my interest!! I was so disappointed when I left the theater, I was tempted to ask for a refund!!!! I have even thought about renting the movie, if just to see if my understanding of the plot will become clear, but afraid it will only leave me feeling angry and unfulfilled. I can't give this film a good, not even a mediocre rating.

I have always enjoyed period pieces, good adaptations even more so. This film, however, is really only worth a 5 - an average film - if not for the strong performances of the supporting cast. The work of Barbara Hershey and Martin Donovan in particular is stellar, raising my rating to 6 on their merit alone.Aside from those two, this film is an exercise in 'almosts' and 'not quites'. It is almost engaging enough, yet just short of drawing me completely in. It not quite makes me believe Nicole Kidman's Isabel is worthy of the love of so many. The love shown by the suitors is believable enough (again, a well acted supporting cast), I simply do not quite believe the object of that love would elicit it.Still, the film is good. It is a pity, though. It could have been great.

I found this to be one of the BEST films I've ever been privileged to watch. Nicole Kidman is 'superb' in this film, as is John Malcovich, Barbara Hershey & Viggo Mortensen (others too, but these stand out). As I was watching the film, I couldn't help but think that Malcovich played the part of a Narcissist. I read the review and didn't see this mentioned, but I am wondering if others have also felt the same about the part he plays. I myself have experience being married (now separated) from a Narcissist....I recognize Kidman being treat as an 'object' not a human being with feelings & needs of her own. He was very cruel to her. This film is has amazing brilliance, and shows truly how a woman can fall prey to a manipulative, selfish man, and what it takes to get out from under one. Very deep!!