The Wings of the Dove is based on the turn of the 19th century novel by Henry James. Costume epic veteran Helena Bonham Carter stars as Kate Croy. She is a woman without fortune who is in love with idealistic but impoverished journalist Merton (Linus Roache).
As Kate's father (Michael Gambon) is a hopeless opium addict, Kate has been somewhat adopted by her wealthy Aunt Maude (Charlotte Rampling). Unfortunately, Maude disapproves of Merton and instead favors blueblooded, drunken boor Lord Mark (Alex Jennings) as a suitor for Kate. Kate finds Lord Mark disagreeable, but what is a poor girl to do?
Kate finds a devious solution to her dilemma. She has become best friends with Millie (Alison Elliott), a wealthy and lovely young woman who just happens to be both terminally ill and in love with Merton. Kate schemes to have Millie leave Merton her fortune. Kate and Merton can then live happily ever after.
Much of the film takes place in Venice. The drowsy waters of the canals provide the expected exquisite cinematography. By this time, I was reminded of Days of Heaven (1978). Both films had lovely cinematography, were set during the 1910s, and had a romantic triangle with a wealthy but dying person at the center. But The Wings of the Dove reverses all the genders from Days of Heaven. Both the schemer and the victim are women, and it is the man who loves them both.
Other critics have noted that the character of Kate is made more sympathetic in the film than in the Henry James novel. But perhaps what she has done is not all that wrong. Unlike Lord Mark, Merton is not a cynical fortune hunter. He would take good care of Millie. Actually, Millie may benefit most from the arrangement, provided of course that she never realizes what Kate and Merton have been up to. However, Kate's impulsiveness and possessiveness are character flaws as much as are her machinations.
The production values are up to par. Hossein Amini's script is polished. Iain Softley's direction is without pretensions. The film is tight, without many unnecessary scenes. The casting and performances are all competent.
The problem is that the characters are unmemorable, and are lacking in imagination. The only true stereotype is Lord Mark, playing The Big Creep. But Aunt Meade is a toned down wicked stepmother, eager to thrust her protege into an unhappy marriage. Kate wants both the good life and the love of her life. Gentle Millie wants a good send off. Merton doesn't really know what he wants. Fortunately, Kate and Millie are around to help him sort things out, but in their own best interests.
Fans of Helena Bonham Carter will want to stick around for the ending, as she has a lengthy nude scene. She's come a long way from Lady Jane and A Room With a View, although the latter was a much better film.
The Wings of the Dove was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Actress (Carter), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography (Eduardo Serra), and Best Costume Design. (59/100)
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