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The Portrait of a Lady is a period drama film based on the novel of the same name by Henry James. The movie was directed by Jane Campion and released in 1996.
The story follows the protagonist, Isabel Archer, played by Nicole Kidman, a young American woman who travels to England to visit her relatives. Isabel is a free-spirited intellectual who challenges the rigid social conventions of her time. Her cousin, Ralph Touchett, played by Martin Donovan, who is dying, bequeaths his entire estate to Isabel, making her financially independent.
Isabel's newfound wealth gives her access to a world of art, literature, and culture. She befriends a cynical intellectual named Caspar Goodwood, played by Viggo Mortensen, and falls in love with an art enthusiast named Gilbert Osmond, played by John Malkovich. However, Isabel's journey towards self-discovery is threatened when her relationships are colored by her wealth.
Gilbert, who is a manipulative and controlling man, marries Isabel for her money, and she finds herself trapped in an unhappy marriage. Isabel realizes that her freedom and independence have been compromised, and must decide whether to honor her commitment to her husband or pursue her desires.
The Portrait of a Lady is a beautifully shot film that examines the complex themes of identity, freedom, and power. Kidman delivers a strong performance as Isabel, capturing the character's strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, cinematography, and acting, and was nominated for several awards, including Golden Globes and Academy Awards.