Key Highlights
- The House of Mirth, a 2000 film starring Gillian Anderson, has found a new home on Channel 4 in the UK.
- The film is now accessible for streaming but will only be available for 24 days.
- The movie explores societal expectations and personal struggles through its narrative of Lily Bart’s life.
- Notable actors including Dan Aykroyd, Eric Stoltz, and Laura Linney also star in the film.
A Classic Finds New Life on Streaming Platforms
The House of Mirth, a period drama released in 2000, has found a new home on Channel 4’s streaming platform. The film, adapted from Edith Wharton’s 1905 novel, stars Gillian Anderson during her peak fame from “The X-Files.” It delves into the complex life of its protagonist, Lily Bart, who is caught between societal expectations and personal desires.
Cast and Production
The film features a star-studded cast with notable actors such as Dan Aykroyd, best known for his roles in “Ghostbusters” and “The Blues Brothers,” Eric Stoltz from “Pulp Fiction” and “Caprica,” and Laura Linney celebrated for her performances in “The Truman Show” and “Love Actually.” The film’s direction is by Terence Davies, who successfully transfers Wharton’s intricate narrative into a visual format. Critics have praised the film’s portrayal of timely themes and Anderson’s powerful performance.
Streaming Availability and Reception
The House of Mirth will be available for streaming on Channel 4’s platform but is only accessible for the next 24 days. It has garnered a commendable 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 100 critic reviews. The film’s intensity and dynamic interplay between Davies’ direction and Anderson’s portrayal have been highly appreciated by critics.
For instance, Flick Filosopher described it as a mesmerizing exploration of social dynamics and inherent cruelty, while Newsday called it “an audacious and unexpected triumph.”
The film has received significant praise for its adaptation of Wharton’s novel and Anderson’s performance, though not all critiques have been favorable. The BBC suggested that Davies neglected to imbue the film with emotional momentum. Nevertheless, The House of Mirth remains a significant cinematic work now available for viewing on Channel 4.
Conclusion
The renewed availability of this classic period drama through streaming offers new generations the opportunity to explore the complexities and themes depicted in Wharton’s novel. Fans of Gillian Anderson and fans of period dramas alike will find much to appreciate in The House of Mirth, now available for a limited time on Channel 4.
