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Poster for The Portrait of a Lady

The Portrait of a Lady

Seen it?

1996 | 144 min | Drama, Romance

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With a lukewarm 5.9 out of 10 from audiences and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved The Heiress or Pride & Prejudice, start here.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 24 min.
What might put you off
Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.

Ms. Isabel Archer isn't afraid to challenge societal norms. Impressed by her free spirit, her kindhearted cousin writes her into his fatally ill father's will. Suddenly rich and independent, Isabelle ventures into the world, along the way befriending a cynical intellectual and romancing an art enthusiast. However, the advantage of her affluence is called into question when she realizes the extent to which her money colors her relationships.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    48% on Rotten Tomatoes, 60 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    5.9 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Venice award: Venice International Film Festival: Best Film (Pasinetti Award). Also nominated for 2 Oscars and 1 Golden Globe. Plus 4 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $20 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 116K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jane Campion

  • Nicole KidmanIsabel Archer
  • John MalkovichGilbert Osmond
  • Barbara HersheyMadame Serena Merle
  • Mary-Louise ParkerHenrietta Stackpole
  • Christian BaleEdward Rosier
  • Shelley WintersMrs. Touchett
  • Richard E. GrantLord Warburton
  • Shelley DuvallCountess Gemini
  • John GielgudMr. Touchett
  • Viggo MortensenCaspar Goodwood