Rating: 
Summary: Depressing story - fine performance from Gillian
Review: I was greatly dissapointed at the story, especially since most of the reviews were favorable. If you have a negative attitude toward life and hate every day, then you may like this journey to hell that Gillian Anderson's character takes. I did not think that the character caused most of her own problems, aside from the gambling debts mentioned early in the movie. There was no moral to this story other than people can be mean - didn't we learn that back in kindergarten? The actors themsleves, Eric Stoltz, Dan Ackroyd, and Gillian Anderson do quite well. I was not impressed with Laura Linney.
Rating: 
Summary: superb and tragic!
Review: there's simply nothing that can be said to encourage one to watch this film, except that it is magnificent, beautiful and deeply emotional and the conversations and characters are wonderful. the tragedy of lily bart pulls the viewer in, so much so, feeling the turmoils she suffers, the undeclared love between her character and eric stolz's. very memorable film that the DVD clearly shows off on video and audio, the commentaries for the movie/missing scene are also a great addition.
Rating:
Summary: In a word..."WOW"
Review: 'The House of Mirth' is an outstanding film that for some reason was practically ignored by the press, the critics and the academy. After you see it, you'll wonder why this is the case as well.Director Terrence Davies manages to adequately capture the time period and the screenplay is perfectly in line with the Wharton novel. Shot on location in Scotland, the architecture, breathtaking backgrounds and costuming adequately set the stage for a realistic and definitive period piece. But it is the acting in this film that makes you sit up and take notice. Eric Stoltz easily captures the troubled Selden Lawrence, torn between his true feelings and his well-known financial shortcomings. Dan Ackroyd plays the vile, manipulative Gus Trenor, who clearly has his own agenda. Laura Linney takes self-absorption to a whole new level as she gleefully sacrifices her loyal friend to save herself. Anthony LaPaglia creates a character that is distasteful, boorish and somehow lovable as he desparately tries to convince Lily Bart to use the power that she possesses to pull herself up at the expense of another. However, all are completely overshadowed by Gillian Anderson, who is nothing short of phenomenal in her portrayal of Lily Bart. She manages to capture the true spirit of this tragic heroine, scene after scene. Anderson expertly reveals every aspect of this character and clearly depicts the downfall of Lily Bart as she is transformed from the object of every man's desire (and every women's jealousy) into a tragic, desperate woman who is cruelly thrown into the scrap pile of society. Anderson's performance is breathtaking as she weaves raw, yet subtle emotion into every word and action, taking the viewer along for the ride as Lily Bart makes tragic mistakes, takes the wrong advice and ultimately sacrifices herself for her own moral convictions. If you've read the book, you simply have to see this film. If you haven't read the Edith Wharton novel, you still have to see it. Anderson's performance alone is worth it. I highly recommend this film and I still can't understand why this film was not given the attention that it deserves.
Rating: 
Summary: Gillian Anderson Flops...The Film Does Not
Review: "The House of Mirth" is a safisfying and pungent adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel about New York society, circa 1905. But the casting of Gillian Anderson and Dan Aykroyd is hardly inspired. In the role of Lily Bart, the heroine of Wharton's story, Anderson wears the right clothes, jewels and hairstyles. But she lacks the necessary refinement, allure, beauty and conviction of a woman hoping to better her position by marrying old money. She is ill at ease. Her line delivery is stilted. It is only when Lily is expelled from society and forced into poverty that Anderson moves beyond her otherwise one-note perfornance. Had Lily been played by Kristen Scott Thomas, Kate Winslow, Gwyneth Paltrow, Juliette Binoche, this film could have been so much better. But no. We're stuck with Anderson trying to put "X-Files" behind her. Aykroyd fares no better. As Gus Trenor, a wealthy businessman who offers to loan Lily money in exchange for sexual favors, the actor looks as if he's doing a bad Merchant-Ivory caricature for "Saturday Night Live." What's right about the film is its pungent and playful attack of New York society. Wharton's disdain for upper class greed is suitably addressed by the filmmaker. So is the contempt she shared for silly women whose only goal in life was to attend parties, buy Paris fashions and vacation in the south of France.
Rating: 
Summary: A Fine Film With Great Emotional Depth
Review: POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD. Director Terence Davies sensitively directs a fine group of actors who portray the characters in Edith Wharton's most famous novel. THE HOUSE OF MIRTH is an excellent art house presentation with the added allure of Gillian Anderson in the uncharacteristic role of Lily Bart-----a beautiful, vulnerable, but shortsighted woman who knows what she wants but is driven to pass up every opportunity for a "brilliant" marriage to a scion of New York society. Miss Anderson's personality is a bit too modern for the role of Lily, but she does a commendable job in the part. There is perhaps a bit too much of a feminist message in her comments on a woman's role in society. We are, after all, seeing the events of a century ago, and judging the past by present day standards always gives the sense of belatedly condemning history. But despite the cross-cutting of emotions, class and subtle sexism, the general theme of the story is that most people find out the truth about themselves and their milieu too late. Eric Stoltz is remarkably affecting as Lawrence Seldom, a man who understands Lily, the world, but not himself. The scene in the garden at the Trenor party where he and Lily almost declare their love for each other is one of the most memorable I've seen in years. Anthony LaPaglia as the social climbing businessman and Dan Aykroyd as the lustful Gus Trenor are right on the mark with their characters. Terry Kinney as the weak-willed George Dorset has an understated intensity that few actors could successfully convey. Laura Linney as his malicious and scheming wife Bertha turns in an excellent performance as the woman who dramatically delivers the coup de grace to Lily's social ambitions. The standout for me, though, is Jodhi May who plays Grace Stepney. Her face can show conflicting nuances of emotion that deeply affect the viewer. Where has this actress been hiding? There are scenes between her and other actors where she is saying one thing, yet conveying quite a different meaning to the audience through her facial expression that are positively heartbreaking. One scene in particular has her turning Lily down for a desperately needed cash advance in the full knowledge that her denial will end in tragedy for Lily. She denies her the money for supposedly moral reason, yet has tears of regret in her eyes because of the jealousy that is making her do it. Portraying a conflict of emotions in a single character is a rare talent and Miss May's ability is magnificent. Let's hope we see more of this very gifted actress and that her next role will be more prominent. Hers is a performance not to be missed in a film of great emotional depth. Jay F.
Rating:
Summary: Love this Movie
Review: I was drawn to this first and foremost because I like Gillian Anderson's work and because I love the book so I figured it must be a good combination. I was surprised however to find that Gillian does an even better job that I thought. Her use of emotion was spectacular. So often you could see tears just below the surface that seemed perfect for the moment. This is a truly good movie and I would highly recommend it to anyone who might be considering it. The entire cast is awesome. Dan Aykroyd is superb as the not so nice guy and Eric Stoltz does a fantastic job as Selden.
Rating:
Summary: It stinks!
Review: Ah, if only the aunt had died early in the movie, left the inheritance to Lily within the first 15 minutes, and thus spared us the whole tedious show! I have read and enjoyed the book upon which this movie is based. But, I must say, Lily is stilted and noticably "acted" as is the Lawrence character. The editing leaves much to be desired especially the long drawn out water and song number in the middle just prior to the yacht scenes. The only decent acting was done by Elizabeth McGovern and Dan Aykroyd. I would only recommend this movie for forced viewing in America's penal institutions. Prisoners with particularly ugly crime records would be made to see it twice.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Film!
Review: This film is one of the best period pieces I have ever seen! The imagery that is used is just astounding and the way it was shot makes even the slow scenes in the film, of which there are a few, very easy to just sit back and watch. The best thing about the film, however, is the acting which is the best and goes above and beyond what anyone would expect. Gillian Anderson is especially good, showing her tremendous acting ability and that she can be a dramatic actress. Her motions and tone of voice make you as a viewer uneasy throughout the entire film and though you know how it will end (all these movies end the same), her character just makes you wish it were different. The only thing that's sad is that this film was not recognized in the U.S. more so, since it is so good. Everyone should see this film!
Rating:
Summary: More than just Scully
Review: It was refreshing to see Ms. Anderson make a departure from her role as the always strong Scully on the "X-Files" to the weaker, frailer Lily Bart in the "House of Mirth". She had me liking and hating the character at the same time. Some parts of the movie are a little dry and slow-going but on the overall it is well worth watching. I think the fans of this wonderful actress agree that we want to see her in other movies that showcase her wide range of talent. I'm sure that she looks forward to putting Scully behind her for a while to pursue other areas of interest more fully. I look forward to seeing her in a movie where she gets to smile a whole lot more :o)
Rating:
Summary: House of tragedy
Review: When I saw the title I had to look it up.It means joyous laughter.It reminded me of a 20th century Greek tragedy.Yet it moved through Lily's life.You saw the transformation of what her mistakes did to her,tearing her down.An AWESOME performance by Gillian Anderson at pulling at the strings of emotion.The chemistry of Anderson and Stoltz was even more than that of her and Duchovny in the X-files.Anderson's remarkable acting has been hid from us because of the files.There is more hidden beneaththat with a good director behind her could come out.One day it will be the Oscar.
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