Taglines: In a world of tradition. In an age of innocence. They dared to break the rules.
The Age of Innocence movie storyline. In Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1920 novel, romance between an upper-class gentleman and an ostracized lady is doomed by 19th century New York society. Shortly after his engagement to blandly genteel May Welland (Winona Ryder), Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) is reacquainted with May’s scandalous cousin Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer).
As the head of an esteemed family, Archer initially uses his standing to try to rehabilitate Ellen’s reputation, but he finds himself increasingly drawn to her disregard for the codes of New York manners. Bound by ingrained society mores and his peers’ insinuations, Newland tries to dodge his growing passion by rushing his marriage to May, but he cannot keep himself from confessing his love to Ellen. Recognizing that Newland could never abandon his sense of honor and be happy, Ellen pushes Newland to May and leaves town.
The marriage proceeds as dictated, but when Newland unexpectedly sees Ellen again, he yearns for the affair to come to fruition. However, he underestimates not only what May knows but also her ability to uphold the rules of propriety. Sumptuously shot by Michael Ballhaus, the film offers meticulously designed costumes and settings that evoke a culture as seductively beautiful in its surfaces as it is stifling in its rituals.
Unspoken emotions are expressed through such details as yellow roses or a clipped cigar, a fade to red or a single camera move. Using Wharton’s original prose to comment on the setting’s hypocrisies, Joanne Woodward’s voiceover narration suggests how much decisive power is buried beneath dainty femininity. The Age of Innocence received five Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Ryder and Best Screenplay for Scorsese and Jay Cocks, and a win for Best Costumes.
Although The Age of Innocence seemed like a departure from Scorsese’s prior work, Newland is as much at the mercy of his circle’s Byzantine structure (and his own conscience) as are Scorsese’s more familiar mobsters; Newland’s persecutors just wear white tie and tails.
The Age of Innocence is a 1993 American film adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1920 novel of the same name. The story takes place during the Gilded Age, portraying New York’s high society. The film was released by Columbia Pictures, directed by Martin Scorsese, and stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder and Miriam Margolyes
The film won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, and was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Winona Ryder), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score and Best Art Direction. The film was dedicated to Martin Scorsese’s father, Luciano Charles Scorsese, who died before it was completed.
The Age of Innocence (1993)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder, Miriam Margolyes, Linda Faye Farkas, Michael Rees Davis, Mary Beth Hurt, Geraldine Chaplin, Stuart Wilson
Screenplay by: Jay Cocks, Martin Scorsese
Production Design by: Dante Ferretti
Cinematography by: Michael Ballhaus
Film Editing by: Thelma Schoonmaker
Costume Design by: Gabriella Pescucci
Set Decoration by: Robert J. Franco, Amy Marshall
Art Direction by: Speed Hopkins
Music by: Elmer Bernstein
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements and some mild language.
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
Release Date: September 17, 1993
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