Transforming written words into artistic images that compose a film is a feat many directors attempt but few accomplish successfully. With "The Wings of the Dove," director Iain Softley ("Backbeat") and screenwriter Hossein Amini adapt Henry James's almost 100-year old novel to the screen and succeed both visually and emotionally.
Nominated for four Oscars, "Wings" is a love story more complex than "Titanic" and more engaging than "The English Patient."
Set in 1910, the film explores the life of Kate Croy, a poor women with an alcoholic father and a dead mother. Helena Bonham Carter, who plays Kate, was nominated for Best Actress at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes for this film.
After her mother's death, Kate is sent to live with her affluent aunt who has dreams of increasing Kate's social station and teaching her how to be a lady. Typical of many movies set in this period, Kate has other plans; she wants to marry poor journalist Merton Densher (played by Linus Roache) and live her life in true love. Of course, the stereotypical wealthy aunt threatens to stop giving her money if she marries him, creating even more difficulties for Kate.
Although Carter seems a strange choice for the part due to her unique visage, she excels as the lead, conveying a balanced amount of cold-heartedness and sincerity. Carter's callousness is necessary because when Kate meets dying American Milly Theale (played by Alison Elliot) with a large family fortune, she concocts a scheme, which at best, is marginally unethical.
Carter carries out the part perfectly, displaying her thoughts through facial expressions and voice inflection. Her love for Merton is believable and effective.
The film evolves into complicated nebulosity in which everyone falls in love with the wrong person and character development abounds. Due to Softley's choice to focus only on three major characters, the movie spends a generous amount of time making sure the audience cares -- and they do.
One of the best things about "Wings" is its attention to detail and its magnificent images of Venice. Both the cinematography and sets take viewers by surprise and are greatly instrumental in bringing James' book to life. The sweeping scenes of Venice are vibrant and engrossing. Also, the authentic-looking costumes help make everything seem realistic.
In addition, the adapted script is not only well-written but filled with poetry. The film's narration, which can often detract from movies, enhances in the case of "Wings."
By the film's end, viewers are left emotionally tattered, and it becomes obvious that its strongest aspect is the character development. Even the painfully calculating Kate is likeable and the helpless Milly enjoys some evilness. Although the finale may leave some confused about which characters deserve their approval, it is the obscurity that gives the film its depth and meaning.
Even for those who have not read James' novel, "Wings of the Dove" is a must-see for fans of love stories. It will be playing in Loew Saturday night.
