What is the price of beauty and youth? How far will people go to make themselves the pinnacle of attractiveness and virility? According to Oscar Wilde, some are all consumed by this endeavor, as showcased in his classic novel detailing the plight of the man named Dorian Gray. Said novel was turned into a feature film in 1945, which displayed similar subject matter. The film’s plot surrounds the title character Dorian Gray, who is obsessed with staying young. He prays that he can be just as youthful forever after a portrait of him is finished and he sees the picture of youth before him. This prayer miraculously comes true, perhaps due to some supernatural powers of a creepy Egyptian cat, and Dorian trades his soul for eternal youth; the main catch being that all of his sins and aging are then portrayed by the newly commissioned portrait. Ashamed of what he becomes, Dorian feverously hides the painting from everyone and lives a lecherous life. A legend of sorts, Dorian attracts many women, but also many suspicions. In the end, he can no longer take the pressure of it all, and in a fit of rage, stabs the portrait where his heart would be. This brash action has its consequences, and he falls dead from the blow, also taking on the hideous creature the portrait has been covering up. The painting returns to normal, and the story of Dorian Gray fades away from the minds of all around him.

Of particular note in the film was the murder scene of Basil Hallward, the man who painted the portrait of Dorian. As Hallward slowly comes to realize what has happened concerning the portrait, he cannot contain his fears. All of the film had him standing up for and being friendly with Dorian. And yet, this horrid depiction of his friend tears that all to pieces. The music builds as the viewer realizes what is about to occur. Using the letter opener as a crowning example of Chekhov's gun, Hallward is stabbed to death quite violently by Dorian. After this atrocious act, Dorian is aghast to see his visage in the portrait suddenly has blood on its hands. The imagery here resounding, Dorian throws a drapery over the painting in disgust. He then goes about covering up his friend’s death using blackmail and secrecy; his truly demonic side once again rearing its ugly head. Of course, the transition of the portrait lends right back into the general plotline. In addition, the true theme begins to shine through. It is that while beauty and youth are certainly sought after attributes, the true measure of a person comes from the inside, and what those inner feelings cause the person to do. Also, the idea that you cannot hide behind a façade for long, and fooling some will not suffice for those who stop and truly look into your soul. Dorian couldn’t hide that side of himself, and made many mistakes because of it. His superficial dream realized, he had nothing in his life to do but vile things, and this led to his downfall.

So I pose this question. Is looking beautiful worth it all?