The Age of Innocence (1993)

1993’s The Age of Innocence marks Martin Scorsese's departure from his trademark exhibition of blood and violence.

Faithfully adapted from Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize winning novel from 1920, the movie is set in the opulent world of 1870s New York. Daniel Day-Lewis plays Newland Archer, a lawyer engaged to May Welland (Winona Ryder in an Academy Award nominated performance), a socialite. When May’s cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer) arrives in town seeking a divorce from her abusive husband, Newland begins to question his relationship with May and his feeling for Ellen. Though Ellen is, at first, ostracised by society, Newland’s decision to be with her or May rests on whether he follows his heart or societal expectations, learning in the long run that his belief he had the freedom to choose was misjudged.

If it’s possible to call a 19th century-set picture dated, there’s no denying that even for a period film fanatic like myself, The Age of Innocence plods along and rarely hits the right notes, aided by a monotonous narration from Joanne Woodward. Of course when it does excel, through one of the wonderful lead performances, it becomes electrifying and is lifted beyond an exceptionally beautiful looking production. What it does achieve consistently is a sumptuous use of colour, costumes, and sets to recreate this exquisite world. Individual scenes linger after viewing, such as the pack of men attempting to walk into the windstorm, while each holding onto their hat for dear life.

Perhaps Scorsese’s adaptation is too faithful to the original text, weighing in at just over two hours; but despite the performances, the lush cinematography by Michael Ballhaus, or even the evocative original music by Elmer Bernstein, The Age of Innocence meanders and by the much-needed climax interest in the characters has all but been lost.

2.5/5