Age of Innocence

Age of Innocence

Martin Scorsese does not sound like the logical choice to direct an adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel about manners and morals in New York society in the 1870s. But these are mean streets, too, and the psychological violence inflicted between characters is at least as damaging as the physical violence perpetrated by Scorsese's usual gangsters. At the center of the tale is Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis), a somewhat diffident young man engaged to marry the very respectable May Welland (Winona Ryder). But Archer is distracted by May's cousin, the Countess Olenska (a radiant Michelle Pfeiffer), recently returned from Europe. As a married woman seeking a divorce, the countess is an embarrassment to all of New York society. But Archer is fascinated by her quick intelligence and worldly ways. Scorsese closely observes the tiny details of this world and this impossible situation; this is a movie in which the shift of someone's eyes can be as significant as the firing of a gun. The director's sense of color has never been keener, and his work with the actors is subtle. That's Joanne Woodward narrating, telling us only as much as we need to know--which is one reason why the climax comes as such a surprise.--Robert Horton

  Age of Innocence Screenplay »
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PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Year:
1993
139
2,273 Views

Ellen Olenska:
I think we should look at reality, not dreams.

Newland Archer:
I just want us to be together!

Ellen Olenska:
I can't be your wife, Newland! Is it your idea that I should live with you as your mistress?

Newland Archer:
I want... Somehow, I want to get away with you... and... and find a world where words like that don't exist!

Ellen Olenska:
I knew you'd come.

Newland Archer:
That shows you wanted me to.

Ellen:
Newland. You couldn't be happy if it meant being cruel. If we act any other way I'll be making you act against what I love in you most. And I can't go back to that way of thinking. Don't you see? I can't love you unless I give you up.

Newland:
Honest? Isn't that why you always admire Julius Beauford? He was more honest than the rest of us, wasn't he, we've got no character, no color, no variety. I wonder why you just don't go back to Europe.

Ellen:
I believe that's because of you.

Newland:
You gave me my first glimpse of a real life. Then you asked me to go on with the false one. No one can endure that.

Ellen:
I'm enduring it.

Ellen Olenska:
How can we be happy behind the backs of people who trust us?

Ellen Olenska:
Is New York such a labyrinth? I thought it was all straight up and down like Fifth Avenue. All the cross streets numbered and big honest labels on everything.

Newland Archer:
Everything is labeled, but everybody is not.

Ellen Olenska:
Then I must count on you for warnings too.

Ellen Olenska:
Is fashion such a serious consideration?

Newland Archer:
Among those who have nothing more serious to consider.

Newland:
We should travel everywhere.

Louisa van der Luyden:
But not Naples. The doctor says there is a fever there.

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