ShaunHuston
Posts 27
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7/9/2007 11:57 PM
posted awhile ago
The Age of Innocence (1993)
The Age of Innocence is one of my favorite Martin Scorsese films, but one that seems destined to marginality because of its presumptively "anomalous" character within the director's body of work. While it is true that the period setting and social class of the characters makes it distinct from the films with which he is most indentified, it is also, fundamentally, a movie about New York and urban tribes, two subjects which are at the heart of Scorsese's best work. The photography and production design are beautiful, and the performances, particularly from Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder, are pitch perfect. Joanne Woodward's voiceover is an effective narrative device, helping the audience to navigate the complex social world of upper class and late 19th century New York. Most of all, every frame seems saturated with meaning and there are some wonderfully orchestrated set pieces, notably the society dinners and balls and a street shot of New York's business class in identical dress and bowler hats. The available DVD for this film is poor. The transfer is fine, but there are no extras of any note. So, at some level anything in the way of additional features would be appreciated, but I would most like: - A discussion of the production design with Dante Ferretti.
- A discussion of the adaptation of the book with Jay Cocks and Scorsese.
- A commentary track with Scorsese.
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