# The Age of Innocence

> 1993 film by Martin Scorsese

**Wikidata**: [Q1125442](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1125442)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Age_of_Innocence_(1993_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-age-of-innocence

## Summary

The Age of Innocence is a romance film, drama film, historical drama, and film based on a novel[1][2][3]. It earned several major accolades across acting, design, and directing categories[4]. Specifically, the movie won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design[4].For acting performances, it received the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture[4]. Behind the camera, the film earned the National Board of Review Award for Best Director[4]. Additionally, it was recognized as one of the National Board of Review: Top Ten Films[4].

## Summary
The Age of Innocence is a 1993 film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on Edith Wharton's 1920 novel of the same name. It is a period drama exploring themes of societal expectations, personal desire, and moral conflict in the Gilded Age. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder, and features costumes designed by Gabriella Pescucci, who won an Academy Award for her work.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: August 31, 1993 (Venice Film Festival), September 17, 1993 (USA)
- **Director**: Martin Scorsese
- **Genre**: Period drama, Romance
- **Based on**: Edith Wharton's 1920 novel *The Age of Innocence*
- **Starring**: Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder
- **Production Company**: Columbia Pictures
- **Awards**: Academy Award for Best Costume Design (Gabriella Pescucci), BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Winona Ryder), Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (Winona Ryder)
- **Runtime**: 139 minutes
- **Budget**: $34 million
- **Box Office**: $68.8 million (worldwide)
- **Music**: Elmer Bernstein
- **Cinematography**: Michael Ballhaus
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 48 language editions
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **IMDb ID**: tt0106226
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 87%
- **Metacritic Score**: 90/100

## FAQs
**Who directed The Age of Innocence and what is its literary source?**  
The film was directed by Martin Scorsese and is an adaptation of Edith Wharton's 1920 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name.

**What notable awards did the film win?**  
The Age of Innocence won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design (Gabriella Pescucci), the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Winona Ryder), and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (Winona Ryder).

**What themes does the film explore?**  
The film delves into themes of societal expectations, personal desire, moral conflict, and the constraints of upper-class life in the Gilded Age, reflecting on the tension between individual longing and social responsibility.

**Who are the main cast members?**  
The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Newland Archer, Michelle Pfeiffer as Ellen Olenska, and Winona Ryder as May Welland, with supporting performances by Miriam Margolyes and Alec McCowen.

**How was the film received critically and commercially?**  
The film received widespread critical acclaim for its costumes, cinematography, and performances, earning a 87% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 90/100 Metacritic score. It grossed $68.8 million worldwide against a $34 million budget.

## Why It Matters
The Age of Innocence is significant for its meticulous portrayal of 1870s New York society, capturing the nuances of class, gender, and morality through lush visuals and nuanced performances. It highlights Scorsese's versatility beyond his typical genre work, demonstrating his ability to craft intimate, character-driven dramas. The film's exploration of unspoken desires and societal repression continues to resonate with audiences, offering a timeless commentary on the human condition. Its influence extends to period dramas and costume design in cinema, setting a high standard for historical accuracy and aesthetic detail.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award-Winning Costumes**: Gabriella Pescucci's designs are celebrated for their historical precision and visual splendor.
- **Winona Ryder's Breakthrough Performance**: Her portrayal of May Welland earned her a BAFTA and Golden Globe Award.
- **Scorsese's Departure from Typical Genres**: The film showcases Scorsese's range, moving away from crime dramas to a nuanced period piece.
- **Faithfulness to Source Material**: The screenplay, adapted by Jay Cocks, remains loyal to Edith Wharton's novel while translating its complex themes to the screen.
- **Cinematography and Production Design**: Michael Ballhaus's cinematography and Dante Ferretti's production design immerse viewers in the opulent world of 1870s New York.

## Body

### Production and Release
The Age of Innocence was released in 1993, premiering at the Venice Film Festival on August 31 before its U.S. release on September 17. Produced by Columbia Pictures, the film was directed by Martin Scorsese, marking a departure from his usual crime-themed works. The screenplay, written by Jay Cocks, is a faithful adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel, preserving the intricate social dynamics and internal conflicts of the source material.

### Cast and Crew
The film features a renowned cast, including Daniel Day-Lewis as Newland Archer, Michelle Pfeiffer as Ellen Olenska, and Winona Ryder as May Welland. Supporting performances by Miriam Margolyes as Mrs. Mingott and Alec McCowen as Sillerton Jackson add depth to the narrative. The crew included cinematographer Michael Ballhaus, composer Elmer Bernstein, and production designer Dante Ferretti, all of whom contributed to the film's visual and auditory richness.

### Themes and Reception
The Age of Innocence explores themes of societal expectations, personal desire, and moral conflict within the rigid structure of 1870s New York high society. Critics praised the film's costumes, cinematography, and performances, with particular acclaim for Gabriella Pescucci's Oscar-winning costume design. The film holds a 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90/100 score on Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim." Commercially, it grossed $68.8 million worldwide against a $34 million budget, demonstrating its appeal to both art-house and mainstream audiences.

### Awards and Legacy
The film garnered several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Winona Ryder, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture, also for Ryder. These accolades underscore the film's technical and artistic achievements. The Age of Innocence is recognized for its historical accuracy, emotional depth, and Scorsese's masterful direction, solidifying its place as a landmark in period drama cinema. Its influence can be seen in subsequent films and television series that emphasize meticulous production design and complex character studies.

### Cultural Impact
The film's portrayal of the Gilded Age has been cited as a reference point for understanding the social stratification and gender roles of the era. Its exploration of repressed emotions and the consequences of adhering to societal norms continues to spark discussions about individuality versus conformity. The Age of Innocence also highlights the constraints placed on women during this period, particularly through the characters of Ellen Olenska and May Welland, offering a feminist critique of patriarchal society.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 139 minutes
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1
- **Sound Mix**: Dolby SR
- **Film Stock**: Eastman Color
- **Locations**: Primarily filmed in the United States and Italy, with scenes shot in New York City and Rome.

### Related Entities
- **Edith Wharton**: Author of the novel, whose works often critiqued the social conventions of the upper class.
- **Gabriella Pescucci**: Costume designer renowned for her work on period films, earning an Academy Award for this film.
- **Daniel Day-Lewis**: Acclaimed actor known for his intense preparation and immersion in roles, including his portrayal of Newland Archer.
- **Michelle Pfeiffer**: Versatile actress who brought depth to the role of Ellen Olenska, a character symbolizing independence and scandal.
- **Winona Ryder**: Her performance as May Welland marked a significant point in her career, earning her major award recognition.

### Historical Context
Set in the 1870s, the film reflects the societal norms of the Gilded Age, a period of significant economic growth and social change in the United States. The story navigates the complexities of marriage, fidelity, and personal freedom within the confines of a rigid class system, offering insights into the lives of the aristocracy during this era. The Age of Innocence serves as a commentary on the universal human struggle between desire and duty, set against the backdrop of a bygone age.

## References

1. IMDb
2. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/wiek-niewinnosci)
3. AlloCiné
4. Metacritic
5. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106226/fullcredits)
6. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1994)
7. The Movie Database
8. The Age of Innocence. Rotten Tomatoes
9. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106226/releaseinfo)
10. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106226/releaseinfo/)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106226/parentalguide/#certificates)
13. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106226/technical/)
14. Kinopoisk
15. Entertainment Identifier Registry
16. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/the-age-of-innocence/)
17. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/age-of-innocence-the/)
18. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
19. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
20. film distribution certificate
21. Bechdel Test Movie List
22. mymovies.it
23. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/7E44-D3A0-63F2-F3AA-0EEF-B)
24. Danish Film Database
25. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/95082)
26. Trakt.tv
27. FilmVandaag.nl