Synopsis

Isabel Archer, an intelligent and independent American visiting Europe, inherits a fortune and believes wealth will give her the freedom to shape her own life. Drawn into the sophisticated world of Madame Merle and Gilbert Osmond, she makes a disastrous marriage that turns her ideals of love, art, and independence into a painful struggle for emotional and moral freedom.

Factoids & Trivia

• The screenplay adapts Henry James' 1881 novel and was written by Laura Jones.

• Filming took place between August and December 1995, using locations in Tuscany, Rome, and Wiltshire. Italian palaces supplied several of the film's grand interiors, while Heale House in England represented the Touchett estate.

• The film's visual design was recognized with two Oscar nominations: Barbara Hershey for supporting actress and Janet Patterson for costume design.

• Janet Patterson also received the Los Angeles Film Critics Association award for production design. The National Society of Film Critics honored Martin Donovan and Barbara Hershey for their supporting performances.

• Wojciech Kilar composed the score, while Stuart Dryburgh handled the cinematography. Patterson was responsible for both the production design and costume design.

• The film won the Pasinetti Award for Best Film at the 1996 Venice Film Festival.

• Its domestic theatrical gross was reported at approximately $3.7 million, making it a relatively modest commercial performer despite its awards recognition.