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The Age of Innocence
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Synopsis
In Martin Scorsese's adaptation of Edith Wharton's 1920 novel, romance between an upper-class gentleman and an ostracized lady is doomed by 19th century New York society. Shortly after his engagement to blandly genteel May Welland (Winona Ryder), Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) is reacquainted with May's scandalous cousin Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer). As the head of an esteemed family, Archer initially uses his standing to try to rehabilitate Ellen's reputation, but he finds himself increasingly drawn to her disregard for the codes of New York manners. Bound by ingrained society mores and his peers' insinuations, Newland tries to dodge his growing passion by rushing his marriage to May, but he cannot keep himself from confessing his love to Ellen. Recognizing that Newland could never abandon his sense of honor and be happy, Ellen pushes Newland to May and leaves town. The marriage proceeds as dictated, but when Newland unexpectedly sees Ellen again, he yearns for the affair to come to fruition. However, he underestimates not only what May knows but also her ability to uphold the rules of propriety. Sumptuously shot by Michael Ballhaus, the film offers meticulously designed costumes and settings that evoke a culture as seductively beautiful in its surfaces as it is stifling in its rituals. Unspoken emotions are expressed through such details as yellow roses or a clipped cigar, a fade to red or a single camera move. Using Wharton's original prose to comment on the setting's hypocrisies, Joanne Woodward's voiceover narration suggests how much decisive power is buried beneath dainty femininity. The Age of Innocence received five Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Ryder and Best Screenplay for Scorsese and Jay Cocks, and a win for Best Costumes. Although The Age of Innocence seemed like a departure from Scorsese's prior work, Newland is as much at the mercy of his circle's Byzantine structure (and his own conscience) as are Scorsese's more familiar mobsters; Newland's persecutors just wear white tie and tails. ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide

Cast

Geraldine Chaplin Mrs. Welland
Daniel Day-Lewis Newland Archer
Carolyn Farina Janey Archer
Michael Gough Henry Van Der Luyden
Richard E. Grant Larry Lefferts
Mary Beth Hurt Regina Beaufort
Robert Sean Leonard Ted Archer
Miriam Margolyes Mrs. Mingott
Alec McCowen Sillerton Jackson
Michelle Pfeiffer Ellen Olenska
Sian Phillips Mrs. Archer
Jonathan Pryce Monsieur Riviere
Winona Ryder May Welland
Alexis Smith Mrs. Louisa Van Der Luyden
Stuart Wilson Julius Beaufort
Norman Lloyd Mr. Letterblair

Production Crew

Jean-Michel Hugon Art Director
Speed Hopkins Art Director
Joseph P. Reidy Associate Producer
Edith Wharton Book Author
David M. Dunlap Camera Operator
Ellen Lewis Casting
Michael Ballhaus Cinematographer
Bruce S. Pustin Co-producer
Elmer Bernstein Composer (Music Score)
Gabriella Pescucci Costume Designer
Martin Scorsese Director
Thelma Schoonmaker Editor
Allen Weisinger Makeup
Barbara de Fina Producer
Dante Ferretti Production Designer
Jay Cocks Screenwriter
Martin Scorsese Screenwriter
Amy Marshall Set Designer
Robert Franco Set Designer
Tod A. Maitland Sound/Sound Designer
Bill Taylor Special Effects
Syd Dutton Special Effects
Year: 1993
Runtime: 138
Country: USA
MPAA Rating: PG
for thematic elements and some mild language
Category: Feature

Genre
Drama
Romance

Sound
Dolby

Produced by
Columbia Pictures

Awards
1993 - Best Film (Drama) - Golden Globe
1993 - Best Picture - National Board of Review
1993 - Best Picture - Drama - Golden Globe
1993 - Best Picture - National Board of Review
1993 - Best Picture - Drama - Hollywood Foreign Press Association