The Age of Innocence: Difference between revisions

* [[Adaptational Attractiveness]]: In the movie, Ellen Olenska is played by Michelle Pfeiffer. However at several points in the book, she is described as unattractive, although the perception of her looks seems dependent on Newland Archer's feelings towards her--she is described as beautiful just as often.

* [[Adaptation Dye Job]]: In the book, the "perfect" May is repeatedly described as blonde and blue-eyed, but in the movie, she is played by the dark-haired Winona Ryder. Similarly, the family outcast Ellen is dark-haired, but played by the blonde Michelle Pfeiffer.

* [[At the Opera Tonight]]: The film's opening scenes, where Ellen returns to New York society and she and Archer, happily engaged to May, meet. Later in the film, they meet at a play whose plot mirrors their situation. And towards the end, the now-married May and Newland attend. This is the most significant scene for several reasons--several years later, the situation is now completely reversed--Newland is suffering in his loveless marriage to May and longing for Ellen. Meanwhile, the heretofore clueless May is showing hints of her scheming--she's wearing her wedding dress, something she hasn't done since her wedding day, despite the fact that it's a tradition in New York society--a not-so subtle attempt at reminding Archer of his marriage vows (though of course, she never says so outright).

* [[Batman Gambit]]: {{spoiler|The way [[Magnificent Bastard|May]] gets rid of Ellen.}}