The Portrait of a Lady: Screenplay

by Laura Jones (Adapter), Henry James

The screenplay version (movie tie-in) of the Henry James novel about an American heiress who travels to Europe to find her destiny includes a preface by the director of the film, Jane Campion, and photographs of the production.

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1996

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't help but wonder if I'd read the book instead of the screenplay if I would have liked this story more. Since I am familiar with the actors assigned to the different parts, images of their described roles, reactions and emotions kept popping into my mind. I could hear in my head John Malkovich's sneering delivery of Osmond's lines. I could see Nicole Kidman's facial expressions as she dealt with all of Isabel's suitors. I have not seen the film associated with this book, but I'm left with a strange mix of feelings. Usually when I read a book my imagination kicks in, but in this case as a screenplay I was told how everything and everybody looked and what feelings were supposed to be transmitted. My imagination played no part. In the case of books being made into movies, I certainly hope most actors pick up the written book (when it exists) and read it prior to playing their part. That way they can have a better idea of how they will portray their character that will be authentic to the book.

"The Portrait of a Lady" is a sad story of deception that could easily play out in modern times. At least in the end the reader is left with a sliver of hope that things will be righted for at least a couple of the characters. I seriously doubt I'll read anymore screenplays after this unless by some strange turn of events I'm cast in a film.