Passion and betrayal

Issue 

The Wings of the Dove
Starring Helena Bonham Carter and Linus Roache
Directed by Iain Softly
Based on the novel by Henry James
Opens February 19

Review by Becky Ellis

The Wings of the Dove is set in London in 1910 and follows the complicated story of Kate (Helena Bonham Carter), an intelligent young woman who is taken in by her rich aunt following her mother's death.

Kate is expected to play the role of socialite and find a rich husband. If she cooperates, her aunt will continue to support financially Kate's opium-addicted father.

However, Kate is in love with a poor journalist, Merton (Linus Roache), who desperately wants to marry her. Thus, Kate is caught in a seemingly hopeless dilemma: follow her heart and her father and live in poverty, or follow society's rules and be miserable but rich.

Into the picture comes Milly, a rich US orphan, who befriends Kate. Milly is dying and desperately longs for love, particularly from Merton. Through Milly, Kate begins to see a way out of her dilemma and enlists Merton's help. The three soon become entwined in a web of betrayal, passion and deceit.

Henry James' novel, on which the film is based, clearly casts Kate as the selfish, manipulative "bad" woman competing with Milly, the kind, selfless "good" woman, for Merton's love. While this film version attempts to overcome the sexist stereotypes in the novel, it still falls short.

Kate is portrayed in a much more sympathetic and interesting manner. Carter's Kate is bold and intelligent, and the reasons for her actions are unclear. Is she purely selfish or is she trying to make sure that everyone involved gets what they need?

Milly, on the other hand, is portrayed in a more stereotypical way. She is dull and one-dimensional. This makes it difficult to become emotionally involved in the tragedy that befalls her.

The Wings of the Dove is a visually beautiful film shot in London and Venice. The costumes and scenery are stunning. The acting, particularly the performance by Carter, who was nominated for an Oscar for this role, is passionate and complex. Nevertheless, the film is gloomy and slow-moving in parts and is not one everyone will enjoy.

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