The Picture of Dorian Gray: 25 Key Changes in the Film Adaptation

The Picture of Dorian Gray: Book vs. Film Differences

This list details 25 significant changes made in the film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, focusing on plot points, character fates, and key thematic alterations.

Key Plot and Character Changes

1. Flashback Sequence: In the film, a flashback sequence appears at the beginning that is absent in the book.
2. Sibyl Vane's Death: Sibyl Vane does not drown herself in the river in the book; she commits suicide by taking poison.
3. Sibyl's Role: Sibyl Vane performs as Juliet in the book, but as Ophelia in the film.
4. Argument with Sibyl: In the book, Dorian is cruel to Sibyl because of her poor stage performance. In the film, their argument centers on the topic of having children.
5. James Vane's Visit: In the book, Sibyl's brother, James Vane, does not visit Dorian's house.
6. News of Sibyl's Death: In the book, Lord Henry Wotton (Harry) is the one who informs Dorian about Sibyl’s death.
7. Disposal of Basil's Corpse: Dorian does not dispose of Basil Hallward’s corpse in the river. Instead, Alan Campbell, a young scientist, is coerced into chemically destroying it in the schoolroom.
8. Lord Henry's Daughter: Lord Henry’s daughter does not appear in the book.
9. Dorian Locked Away: Lord Henry does not lock Dorian in the schoolroom in the book.
10. Dorian's Final Act: In the book, Dorian does not intentionally commit suicide; he attempts to destroy the portrait solely because it is the only evidence against him.
11. Dorian and Basil's Relationship: Dorian never kisses Basil Hallward in the book.
12. The Schoolroom Fire: There is never any fire in the schoolroom related to the disposal of Basil's body.
13. Lord Henry's Remorse: In the book, Lord Henry never expresses remorse for influencing Dorian’s behavior.
14. Basil's Reluctance: At the beginning of the book, Basil Hallward is reluctant to show Dorian's portrait.
15. Lord Henry's Knowledge: Lord Henry never finds out the secret of Dorian’s eternal youth.
16. Dorian's Suicidal Thoughts: In the book, Dorian contemplates suicide when Lord Henry tells him that his beauty will not last forever.
17. Basil's Ghost: Dorian does not see Basil Hallward’s ghost in the book.
18. Age Difference at Murder: In the film, Dorian kills Basil when both are relatively young. In the book, Basil appears significantly older.
19. Witnessing the Argument: Lord Henry does not witness the argument between Dorian and Sibyl Vane in the book.
20. Religious Setting: Dorian does not visit a church in the book.
21. Letter to Sibyl: In the film, Dorian does not write a letter to Sibyl before learning of her death.
22. Mrs. Leaf: Mrs. Leaf (Dorian's housekeeper) does not appear in the film.
23. Murder Weapon: In the book, Dorian murders Basil using a knife. In the film, he uses a broken mirror.
24. Key Location: In the film, Dorian wears the schoolroom key around his neck; in the book, he keeps it in his pocket.
25. Disposal of Evidence: After murdering Basil, Dorian burns the victim's bag and coat in the book. In the film, he throws them into the river.