Lolita

Lalanae · Post by **Lalanae** » February 17, 2004, 2:57 pm

A reference to Nabokov in the Reading forum, got me thinking about the two film version's of Lolita, and thought it would make an interesting discussion. Has anyone seen both versions and have any preferences?

noel · Post by **noel** » February 17, 2004, 3:33 pm

I only saw the version with Jeremy Irons which is, I believe, the original. It was a powerful movie that made me feel uncomfortable at times, but I really enjoyed it. I was utterly shocked to find out it was a true story.

Post by **Sylvus** » February 17, 2004, 3:47 pm

No, Aranuil, I believe the original is black and white and from the 50s. You're thinking of the one that came out ~5-7 years ago, with Jeremy Irons, Melanie Griffith and Dominique Swain. I've only actually watched the newer version, it was pretty good.

Haven't read the book or seen the original though.

Lalanae · Post by **Lalanae** » February 17, 2004, 4:11 pm

The original was directed by Kubrick.

Peter Sellers played a really memorable Quilty and Shelly Winters played Lolita's mom (better than Melanie Griffith, but her role was too big). James Mason was a lackluster Humbert compared to Irons in Adrian Lyne's version.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » February 17, 2004, 5:35 pm

I saw the 2nd version with Dominique Swain. It was a well done movie. One of those movies where everyone ends up in a bad situation eventually.

Dominique Swain played her role well. As Masteen would say, "the power of the poon" is strong. Ignoring the ages, Dominique Swain had quite an irritating, manipulative personality so it all came down to Jeremy Irons wanting to get some from what he envisioned as a sweet, innocent girl.

The entire moral discussion would change if lolita actually loved Jeremy Irons but as this story stands, everyone is unhappy and involved for selfish reasons. Dominique is the biggest victim by far with her screwed up childhood there are reasons for why she acts differently than most 14 year olds when Jeremy encounters her.

I blame Melanie Griffith for everything. (Who played a great role in Crazy in Alabama). Bad mother = bad kid! That doesn't excuse Jeremy Irons but bad mother let Domique get caught up with the other guy before Irons leading to her corruption which in turn helped to break down Irons' poon defenses. No one is innocent in this film although blame can be distributed more heavily on some than others.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » February 17, 2004, 6:34 pm

The sexual energy is much more palpable in Lyne's version. That scene near the beginning with Lolita sitting in the lawn sprinkler is major woody material. I'm also a big Jeremy Irons fan, and you could really feel the anguish as he was tempted by the little nymphette.

The original, like a LOT of older movies, suffers from slow pacing. The acting is quality, but it could have spent more time in the editing room.

Arborealus · Post by **Arborealus** » February 18, 2004, 4:49 am

I'd say put sellers/winters in with irons/swain and let kubrick direct with the current film ratings boards...I'm a big james mason fan, brilliant actor but I don't think anyone can project passion the way irons can...Humbert's fragility, angst and love are palpable in the irons portrayal...It's hard to imagine anyone playing that role with as much understanding and empathy...dominique swain played her role very well, evoking an uncomfortable mix of sympathy lust and outrage...

nabokov characters have to be hell for a lot of actors and acttresses. its easy I would think to play them too flat (Melanie Griffith). there is such depth of characterization in nabokov that it forces the performer to deeply understand character and motivation...Im not sure the flatness was melanie griffith's issue so much as lyne's vision of the character...i could see her playing this role much better

You really have to be sympathetic when it comes to what kubrick couldn't get past the ratings boards in errrm '62 (i think it was)...palpable sexuality wasn't really doable...I'm sure he had to cut the hell out of what he shot...

edit: because i'm mental sometimes...

Ennia · Post by **Ennia** » February 18, 2004, 12:34 pm

Meg Ryan? or Melanie Griffith