Massimo Dallamano's film of Oscar Wilde's work places the story to the London of the 1960s. Even though many reviews obviously didn't like this and wrote rather negative about the film, I think the story works surprisingly well.

Helmut Berger is excellent and undeniably gorgeous as the (in the end tragic) title character, but also the other actors deliver their best. Especially Herbert Lom as Henry Wotton acts absolutely great, and most of the women are not only very pretty, but also deliver convincing performances.

All in all, "Dorian Gray" surely is the most unusual film version of the writing, it is rather drama than horror, but that's what Oscar Wilde's work is too, isn't it? I guess that Oscar Wilde would have liked this.

A rather bizarre adoption of Oscar Wilde's wonderful story, this has been updated to the late 1960's London, and it is very homoerotic in many ways. First of all, Herbert Lom is an obviously older (if still extremely handsome) gay man, in lust with modern day libertine Helmet Berger, one of the most beautiful of narcissistic characters in film. But he looks like someone who would have been at home on either Christopher or Castro Streets, even if he prefers women yet seeks out men when the mood strikes him. A series of beautiful women in gorgeous period 60's clothing clamor for his bed, yet it's obvious that the charming facade that is Dorian on the outside hides some sinister ideals on the inside.

Often slow but frequently campy, this is a mod, mod Wilde world, with women of all ages (including veteran actress Isa Miranda quite over the top) and men desperate to see which side Dorian to prefer to butter his bread on. With Berger as eye candy and Lom stealing the scene with his flamboyant performance, veteran actor Richard Todd dies get to show some class as yet will painter of the portrait. The scene where he threatens to destroy it and burger makes a deal is quite memorable.

I wouldn't call this a perfect version of the classic tale but the way it has been modernized to the sexual revolution is wonderful, and visually it is thrilling. As a psychological horror movie, it feels intention with Dorian getting more evil as his ego gets larger. But you won't be able to look away for all the sumptuous set-pieces and gorgeous costumes, and the subtle way that Dorian philosophises on his increasing evil is thoughtful, sad and intelligent.

In the late 60's in London, the model Dorian Gray (Helmut Berger) meets the aspirant actress Sybil Vane (Marie Liljedahl) and they fall in love for each other. Meanwhile, his friend Basil Hallward (Richard Todd) concludes his painting, and Dorian Gray, fascinated with the picture, proposes the devil to exchange his soul per a permanent youth and beauty. From this moment on, the character and behavior of the former sweet Dorian changes and he becomes a corrupt and amoral man, sex driven and capable of destroying many lives inclusive Sibyl's. While his friends grow older, Dorian remains young never aging, but his painting discloses his innermost ugliness, fruit of his despicable social conduct.

"Dorian Gray" is a good contemporary adaptation of the famous Oscar Wilde's classic novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray", which I believe is one of the books most read, or at least known, worldwide. Everybody is familiarized with this dramatic and evil story. The handsome Helmut Berger fits perfectly to the role and I really liked this underrated movie. Massimo Dallamano's version is original, attractive and has a good international cast. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "O Retrato de Dorian Gray" ("The Picture of Dorian Gray")