Description Set in 1870s New York, Martin Scorsese's THE AGE OF INNOCENCE examines the tyranny of tradition and family heritage--and the tragic consequences of breaking society's unspoken rules. Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis), an upstanding gentleman and partner in a lucrative and conservative law firm, is engaged to the perfect society woman, the pretty and polished May Welland (Winona Ryder). They are hoping to push forward their wedding date when Newland meets Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer), May's beautiful, cosmopolitan, and scandal-ridden cousin. Ellen, who has resided in Europe and cultivated a more permissive continental sensibility, believes she's found a kindred spirit in Newland. Slowly the two fall in love, and Ellen entices Newland with the vision of a life not ruled by the rigid guidelines of New York's stuffy upper crust. But May represents all the temptations and benefits of wealth, position, and propriety. Newland must make the painful choice between a passionate life with Ellen and a placid, safe life with May--the life he was born and raised to lead. In adapting the classic novel by Edith Wharton, Scorsese meticulously reconstructs the elegant world of mid-19th-century Manhattan, using an onslaught of materialistic vices--including an endless barrage of sumptuous foods--to capture the elite world even more fastidiously.
| Credits | | Writer: | Jay Cocks | | Producer: | Barbara De Fina, Dante Ferretti, Martin Scorsese | | Score Composer: | Elmer Bernstein |
Editorial Reviews "...A robust gamble that pays off....The work of one of America's handful of master craftsmen..." New York Times - p.C1 - Vincent Canby
"...All the performances are excellent, and the production is a visual tour de force..." Sight and Sound - p.45-6 - Pam Cook
"...A celebration....Magnificent performances....[Ryder] is a revelation..." - Recommended Premiere - p.141 - Peter Biskind
"...An extraordinarily sumptuous piece of filmmaking....Day-Lewis cuts an impressive figure....Ryder is also perfect..." Variety - Todd McCarthy
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