Martin Scorsese is often associated with gangster films. In truth, however, the master director has dabbled in many genres. With “Age of Innocence”, which is now available on Netflix, he delivered a romantic historical epic.
Martin Scorsese is one of the greatest, if not the greatest American director of all time. He proves this impressively anew with every film: “Taxi Driver”, “Like a Wild Bull”, “GoodFellas”, “Wolf Of Wall Street” or “Killers Of The Flower Moon”. There is also the misconception that Scorsese primarily makes films about men who make a name for themselves in the semi-seedy trade.
“Time of Innocence”, based on the 1920 novel of the same name by Edith Wharton, is one of the counter-examples to this erroneous assumption. The historical epic from 1993 is not only about big pictures and detailed costumes, but also about stirring emotions. You haven’t seen the film yet? Then you can catch up on it now with a Netflix subscription.
THIS IS WHAT TIME OF INNOCENCE IS ALL ABOUT
In the latter half of the 19th century, Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer) shows up in New York City after leaving her husband. Although the woman’s separation from her husband has made her impossible in high society, she attracts the attention of lawyer Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis), who is engaged to Olenska’s cousin May Wellend (Winona Ryder).
Olenska, with her natural manner that disregards social strictures, exerts a much greater fascination on Archer than his future wife. For the lawyer, the conflict between his ever-growing desire and social conventions becomes an insurmountable test of endurance, making his life increasingly difficult.
A SPLENDIDLY STAGED MORALITY TALE
Martin Scorsese proved early on that he can conjure up impressive images on the screen. With “Age of Innocence”, however, he was to fully indulge in the detail-obsessed frenzy of historical cinema – for which he then won an Oscar for Best Costume Design (the film was also nominated in four other categories, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Production Design). As gracefully staged as the epic may be, however, it ultimately draws its power from the elemental emotions.
Against the backdrop of a hypocritical society structured by tightly woven moral codes, “The Age of Innocence” tells of the unstoppable power of affection and longing. As usual, Martin Scorsese has tickled outstanding acting performances out of his illustrious cast. Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominee Winona Ryder fill the film with life and give corners, edges and depth to a world that doesn’t understand the difference between appearance and reality.
