This relationship was never going to work... (Lolita [1998] (DVD))

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Lolita [1998] (DVD)
Date:	13/10/09 (148 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Decent Cinematography

Disadvantages: Overlong, 'Hollywood' ending

Anyone who knows the basic story of 'Lolita' will realise that the subject matter is rather controversial - a grown man forming a sexual relationship with a barely teenage girl. Since Vladimir Nabokov first released the novel in 1955, there have been a couple of movie adaptations, both surrounded by controversy upon their release. I suppose it's a brave (or stupid) director who would decide to take on such a contentious project, but both Stanley Kubric and Adrian Lynn have returned very different results in their separate attempts at bringing the book to the big screen.

The story focuses on the curiously named 'Humbert Humbert' (Jeremy Irons), a British teacher who comes to America to work. Humbert rents a room in the house of Charlotte Haze (Melanie Griffith), mainly due to his attraction to her fourteen-year-old daughter 'Dolores' (Dominique Swain). Spotting an opportunity to get closer to the 'nymphette', Humbert marries Charlotte and thus begins his life as a rather inappropriate father figure.

For the most part, the film takes the form of a road movie, whilst documenting the ever changing relationship between man and child. There are elements of suspense thrown in along the way, for example, who is the mysterious man following Humbert and Delores, and what are his intentions?

Directed by Adrian Lynn, who also directed 'Fatal Attraction', and 'Indecent Proposal', this particular version of the film (released in 1998) is apparently closer to the Nabakov book than Stanley Kubrick's 1962 adaptation, which took an altogether more comedic approach to proceedings. Lynn's version is dominated by a serious and thoughtful take on events which, considering there is no real moral message forced upon the viewer, encourages the watcher to form his or her own opinion on events.

One of the reasons that the film is controversial (apart from the obvious) is the fact that Lynn has made Humbert into a likeable character, so much so infact, that many viewers empathise with him, as he is undoubtedly portrayed as the 'good guy' throughout. For the most part, Delores (Lolita) is depicted as the aggressor, blackmailing her desperate step-dad in order to get her way.

In terms of the performances, Irons is generally good as the tortured soul who would do anything for the girl whom he not only lusts after, but also loves. Occasionally Irons' actions appear a bit too slapstick, but his general level of acting is certainly up to scratch. Similarly, Swain does a respectable job as Delores / Lolita, but her character has understandably been made to appear at least physically older than she is supposed to. I imagine this has been done on purpose, although I'm sure Nabakov would turn in his grave, and suggest the the filmmakers have perhaps missed the point.

The cinematography throughout Lolita is beautiful to watch, and some of America's most stunning scenery is visualised during the roadtrip. This depiction of the great outdoors was lacking in Kubric's version due to his insistence on filming in studio, in the UK.

As well as the considered and high quality camerawork, Lynn's Lolita uses a variety of arty camera angles and sequences which generally add to the visual intrigue of the piece. Speaking of arty sequences, the ending (featuring a naked Frank Langella and a piano), is bizarre to say the least and unintentionally humourous. Langella's character 'Clare Quilty' is a nasty piece of work, slimy and eager to get his hands on the film's title character. The director has cleverly given Quilty the vile characteristics of what we would generally assume to see in someone who would abuse children, whereas Humbert is depicted as a kind of anti-hero. Langella doesn't do a bad job in the role, but it's a performance far removed from his stunning work as the shamed President in 'Frost / Nixon'

Lolita is a well made yet ultimately overlong film which asks questions about the nature of relationships without ever feeling like it has a point to prove. The movie is entirely watcheable, and as a viewer you are interested to see what will happen next, and whether Humbert will get his comeuppance - recommended as an interesting and controversial film with high production values.

Lead Roles
- - - - - - - -
Jeremy Irons - Humbert Humbert
Melanie Griffith - Charlotte Haze
Frank Langella - Clare Quilty
Dominique Swain - Dolores 'Lolita' Haze

Summary: Controversial Movie