The Portrait of a Lady Movie (1996): Where to watch and stream online

The Portrait of a Lady

1996, Movie, 2h 24min

Jane Campion’s dreamily impressionistic adaptation of Henry James’s classic novel follows the fortunes of the free-spirited Isabel Archer (Nicole Kidman), a bright-eyed American heiress in Europe, whose independent-minded idealism is tested when she becomes ensnared by the scheming aesthete Gilbert Osmond (John Malkovich). Graced with gorgeous cinematography and a top-flight cast—including Barbara Hershey, Mary-Louise Parker, Shelley Winters, Shelley Duvall, and John Gielgud—THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY avoids the pitfalls of the too-literal literary adaptation to become a bold, haunting work of art in its own right.

Country: Italy,Turkey,United Kingdom,United States

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Reviews

Critic Beth Webb

rated

There’s a streak of punk that blazes through this unconventional story of a woman grappling with her destiny.

Read full review at Empire

Critic Marjorie Baumgarten

rated

Great and evident artistry shapes this film version of the Henry James novel...

Read full review at The Austin Chronicle

Frequently asked questions

What is The Portrait of a Lady about? Toggle content

The Portrait of a Lady is a period drama that follows the life of Isabel Archer, a young American woman who travels to Europe in search of new experiences. She becomes the object of affection for Gilbert Osmond, a charming but cunning art collector who manipulates her into marriage. As the relationship progresses, Isabel realizes that Gilbert has a hidden agenda and is not the man she thought he was. With the help of her cousin Ralph, who is slowly dying from consumption, Isabel must confront Gilbert and ultimately make a difficult decision about her future. Set in the late 19th century, the film explores themes of love, betrayal, and the struggle for independence.

Where can I stream The Portrait of a Lady? Toggle content

The Portrait of a Lady is currently unavailable to stream in undefined on the streaming services we have in our catalogue

What movies are similar to The Portrait of a Lady? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The Portrait of a Lady include Forrest Gump, Jerry Maguire, Mifune, Phenomenon, Firelight, Life Is Beautiful.

When was The Portrait of a Lady released in theaters? Toggle content

The Portrait of a Lady was released in theaters on January 17, 1997.