Netflix's Dorian Gray Adaptation: Ruined by Brother Twist?
Has Netflix already ruined its adaptation of Dorian Gray before it even airs? A controversial change to the classic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, has sparked outrage and threatens to undermine what could have been a compelling horror series on the streaming platform.
Classic literature offers a wealth of stories for adaptation, allowing filmmakers to modernize them for contemporary audiences. However, some elements are so essential that altering them fundamentally changes the narrative. Imagine removing the central themes from iconic books.
But, with the upcoming Dorian Gray adaptation, Netflix appears to have made a crucial error before its release. How will audiences react to such a significant departure from the original story?
Netflix's Picture of Dorian Gray: A Missed Opportunity?
Oscar Wilde's only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is being adapted into a Netflix TV show. This gothic novel, a cornerstone of the genre, had the potential to be the most exciting Netflix book adaptation yet, especially since previous adaptations have fallen short.
Numerous film adaptations of The Picture of Dorian Gray exist, but many fail to capture the book's depth. Some introduce unnecessary characters or alter key plot points, leading to disappointing results. While some versions have been better than others, none have truly done justice to Wilde's original vision.
The announcement of a Netflix TV show initially generated excitement. However, this enthusiasm waned when details of screenwriter Katie Rose Rogers' interpretation emerged. One particular change has ignited controversy, potentially ruining the show before it even airs.
The Brotherly Twist: A Controversial Change
The Netflix adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray will portray Dorian Gray and Basil Hallward as brothers, according to reports. This decision has been met with considerable criticism. Basil's intense, homoerotic infatuation with Dorian is a central theme in the novel.
The relationship between Dorian and Basil is so explicit that it was used as evidence against Oscar Wilde during his trial for "gross indecency." To diminish or erase this queerness feels like a disservice to Wilde's legacy. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a significant work of LGBTQ+ literature.
This change feels like a dismissal of the novel's core themes. Dorian and Basil are not simply friends, let alone brothers. This alteration risks undermining the entire adaptation and potentially making it the worst version of The Picture of Dorian Gray to date. What impact will this change have on the portrayal of complex relationships?
Queer Erasure: A Concerning Trend
Netflix's adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray appears to be part of a larger trend of queer erasure in Hollywood. Shows with LGBTQ+ characters are being cancelled at a disproportionate rate, and the "bury your gays" trope remains prevalent.
Various reports indicate a decline in LGBTQ+ representation on screen. Adaptations of classic novels often downplay or ignore queer themes, such as Celie's love story in The Color Purple or queer love in Greek mythology. This censorship is troubling and reflects a broader societal regression in LGBTQ+ rights.
The queer erasure in Netflix's The Picture of Dorian Gray is particularly disheartening because the novel is a seminal work of LGBTQ+ literature. The change is not only harmful but also a direct violation of the classic novel. How can adaptations honor the source material while remaining sensitive to contemporary audiences?
A Disappointing Adaptation?
The decision to make Dorian and Basil brothers in Netflix's adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray raises serious concerns about the show's faithfulness to the source material. This change risks undermining the novel's core themes and contributing to a troubling trend of queer erasure in media. Whether the adaptation can overcome this hurdle remains to be seen, but the initial signs are not promising.