The House of Mirth

The House of Mirth, based on the novel of the same name by Edith Wharton, is the tragic tale of a young socialite, Lily Bart.  The story takes place around 1905 - 1907 in New York city.  Lily is a person of few personal means, in terms of wealth or the skills to support herself. She lives on an inheritance from her parents and the generosity of an aunt who is strict and somewhat disapproving but unwilling to see Lily out in the streets.  At least, that is her nature, but she has her limits and we find out what these are in the film.

In any case, Lily is of marrying age and is expected to be on the hunt for a husband in order to live the life that s expected of her.  Lily seems bent on showing the society circles that she is not on the prowl and is perfectly capable of making her own way in life.  If she is to marry, it will be on her own terms.

Unfortunately, the realities of her limited means force her to bargain with friends and she finds out that they have agendas which are not known to her until it is too late.

Lily struggles against the tide of backbiting acquaintances and steadfastly clings to her independence, risking all in an effort to survive on her own terms.  We learn that Lily is all too honorable in a world where people coldly disregard family and friendship to feed their own self-serving goals.

This is a sometimes sad film, and there are plenty of villains, but there are enough good folk to buoy the spirits. Lily herself is heroic in many ways and rises above those who have done her harm.  

1-21-2001