Melanie Griffith Movie:

Lolita [Region 2] Reviews:
A Close Adaptation Does Not Translate to Great Film
2009-12-21 - Adrian Lyne, who directed this newer version of Vladimir Nabokov's classic love story 'Lolita' gives every effort to be true to the book. Unfortunately, being faithful to the book is its major downfall as no one in the story has any chemistry with each other and the movie fails to bring out the humor of the book.

If you only saw this version of the movie and not read the book, you might think this a good film. If you read the book, chances are, you have seen the Kubrick and this version and will inevitably make comparisons of the three. The book stands on its own and one could not realistically be made into a film using the book as the only reference. Nabokov wrote the script for Kubrick, but was eventually heavily edited by Kubrick (although still given screenplay credit). The book has too many subtleties and linguistic atmosphere that gets lost in cinema and so is compensated elsewhere.

Adrian Lynne chose Melanie Griffith as Delores Haze, Jeremy Irons as Humbert Humbert and Dorothy Swain as Lolita. All of them have their own merit, but together in this film they do not seem to get along to create substantial chemistry that gives the audience any feeling for them. Griffith has a flat affect in every line of dialogue and her scene where she discovers Humbert's secret is soft and expressionless. She comes off as dismissive more than angry or outraged. She seemed far too much in control. Jeremy Irons always seemed aloof and dumbstruck, especially in the scenes with Lolita. But this reaction never came across as the character Humbert in any way as intellectual. Humbert is not passionate nor a stuffy intellect, nor does any of his foolishness come through in the performance. Lastly, Swain as Lolita was just plain annoying. Yes, the book version of Lolita had her childish whims and charms, but there was an appealing quality that is not shown here.

All of the characters all seem to be going through the motions of whats on the script, but no one ever really understanding the characters and missing the comedy as well. Which, as mentioned, this is a more faithful version of the book, but it seems to me that Lynn only saw it as a serious drama and not as a comedy of characters. Which is why, although Kubrick's version is not as faithful, keeps Nabokov's style of writing in tact within the film. Mason, Lyons and Winters as well as Sellers are perfect in their roles and know their characters from the 1962 version. There is much more psychology and irony in Kubrick than in this version.

Adrian Lynne, whose past works include 9 1/2 Weeks, Indecent Proposal, Unfaithful and Fatal Attraction are all sex themed stories, which makes me wonder if there was a type of exploitive quality that reduced this story to be about sex and not about Humbert Humbert's (albeit twisted) understanding of love.

early production better
2009-10-27 - Melanie Griffeth is a marvelous Lolita. She's the perfect teenager of my generation--bubble gum, spontaneous dancing whenever the spirit moves her, fresh and sassy. Too, Jeremy Irons is the cool, determined pedophile who lets nothing stand in his way. This production is much more convincing than a later movie.

another classic
2009-06-26 - It was okay but, like many classics, its legendary power escapes me in this post-modern era.

One to touch the heart
2009-04-25 - Apart from the violent scenes towards the ending of the film which I felt were over the top, I mean the bit where our emotionally misguided friend shoots the pimp or whatever you want to call him., I enjoyed this movie. I'm sure many will relate to it. Jeremy Irons is good in movies like this. Anyone who has seen "Damage" will no doubt be able to compare a similar role albeit with a woman rather than a girl of 12! However, he is more likely to be remembered for other roles such as his part in "The Mission" with Robert De Niro. Lolita is a sad but enlightening story. This is one to touch the heart and not one you'll easily forget. The soundtrack is good too. hear it!

Very good and memorable film
2009-03-03 - This is a noble stab at screen adaption. The Morricone score is nice, too. One thing I can't understand is why hasn't this version hasn't been released on Blu-ray?!?