The House of Mirth (Haus Bellomont)

In the organizer's words:

The New York high society of the Belle Époque does not forgive mistakes, especially not when they are committed by single ladies who, like Lily Bart, flirt with bachelors and speculate on the stock market instead of getting married. Her social downward spiral continues inexorably, turning a good match into an outlaw. She is observed soberly but not coldly by British film director Terence Davies (1945-2023). After the end of his autobiographical cycle, he made two literary adaptations, THE NEON BIBLE (1995) and THE HOUSE OF MIRTH (2000), the second of which, an adaptation of the novel of the same name by US writer Edith Wharton, published in 1905, caused an international sensation. Like Wharton, Davies combines historical accuracy and ironic criticism with a psychological study of the main character. His ascetic, tableau-like style makes it possible to break through the purely historical perspective. As if through a microscope, he allows us to look at the fine mechanics of convention and thus dissects the instrument of power of the upper class to which Lily Bart falls victim. Looks, gestures and words make up the mill that constantly and mercilessly crushes the soul of a woman who allowed herself to dream of freedom. One of the best films of its genre, which has succeeded in creating an independent and at the same time completely adequate realization of the literary model.

Part of the FilmGalerie's fall series "IN MEMORIAM. Cinematic flashbacks" from 29.10.-3.12.2025.