The Age of Innocence (1993)
- Starring:
- Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, (more)
- Director(s):
- Martin Scorsese
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG
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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
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 138 mins
Complete Cast:
- Daniel Day-Lewis - Newland Archer
- Winona Ryder - May Welland
- Richard E. Grant - Larry Lefferts
- Geraldine Chaplin - Mrs. Welland
- Stuart Wilson - Julius Beaufort
- Michael Gough - Henry Van Der Luyden
- Norman Lloyd - Mr. Letterblair
- Carolyn Farina - Janey Archer
- Patricia Dunnock - Mary Archer
- W.B. Brydon - Mr. Urban Dagonet
- Joanne Woodward - Narrator
- Martin Scorsese - Photographer (uncredited)
- John McLoughlin - Party Guest
- Domenica Scorsese - Katie Blenker
- Zoe - Herself
- Tracey Ellis - Gertrude Lefferts
- Michelle Pfeiffer - Ellen Olenska
- Miriam Margolyes - Mrs. Mingott
- Alec McCowen - Sillerton Jackson
- Mary Beth Hurt - Regina Beaufort
- Sian Phillips - Mrs. Archer
- Alexis Smith - Mrs. Louisa Van Der Luyden
- Jonathan Pryce - Monsieur Riviere
- Robert Sean Leonard - Ted Archer
- Clement Fowler - Florist
- June Squibb - Mingott Maid
- Howard Erskine - Beaufort Guest
- Thomas Gibson - Stage Actor
- Henry Fehren - Bishop
- Brian Davies - Philip
- Thomas Barbour - Archer Guest
- Director(s):
- Martin Scorsese
- Writer(s):
- Martin Scorsese, Jay Cocks
- Producer(s):
- Barbara de Fina
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG(Suitable for Children, Adult Situations)
- Closed Captioning:
- Check All Versions
- Subtitles:
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- 1993 - The Age of Innocence - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
- 1993 - The Age of Innocence - National Board of Review - Best Director
- 1993 - The Age of Innocence - National Board of Review - Best Supporting Actress
