The House of Mirth 2000
"When a woman has the beauty men admire and women envy... it is wise to tread carefully."
Terence Davies' *The House of Mirth (2000)* transports viewers to the glittering yet treacherous world of New York's Gilded Age elite, where beauty and social standing are currency—and where one wrong step can unravel a life.
Director: Terence Davies
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The House of Mirth (2000) about?
*The House of Mirth* follows Lily Bart, a stunning but penniless New York socialite in the early 1900s, as she navigates a society that values her only as a potential bride. When financial ruin looms, Lily's charm fails to secure the alliances she desperately needs, and her once-loyal friends turn against her. The film explores her desperate attempts to reclaim her status, culminating in a devastating fall from grace.
Who directed The House of Mirth?
Terence Davies, the acclaimed British filmmaker known for his poetic and visually rich dramas, directed *The House of Mirth (2000)*.
Who stars in The House of Mirth?
The film features Gillian Anderson as Lily Bart, with Anthony LaPaglia, Laura Linney, Dan Aykroyd, and Eleanor Bron rounding out the standout cast.
Is The House of Mirth (2000) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you love period dramas with emotional depth and stellar performances. Gillian Anderson's portrayal of Lily Bart is unforgettable, and Terence Davies' direction turns a tragic story into a visually stunning meditation on class and betrayal. It's a film that lingers in your thoughts long after the final scene.
How long is The House of Mirth?
The runtime of *The House of Mirth (2000)* is 135 minutes (2 hours and 15 minutes).
🎥 Trailer
About The House of Mirth (2000) — Terence Davies' Gilded Age Tragedy Starring Gillian Anderson
Terence Davies' *The House of Mirth (2000)* transports viewers to the glittering yet treacherous world of New York's Gilded Age elite, where beauty and social standing are currency—and where one wrong step can unravel a life. The film follows Lily Bart, a radiant but increasingly destitute socialite whose charm and wit make her a magnet for New York's most influential men. As her fortunes dwindle and her allies reveal their true colors, Lily finds herself ensnared in a web of betrayal, financial despair, and moral decay. Davies frames her descent with a hauntingly elegant visual style, capturing the opulence of high society while exposing its ruthless undercurrents. With Gillian Anderson delivering a mesmerizing performance as the tragic heroine, the film is a poignant meditation on ambition, class, and the price of female autonomy in a world that values women only as adornments.
Set against the backdrop of a society obsessed with appearances, *The House of Mirth* is less a romance than a cautionary tale about the fragility of reputation and the cost of refusing to conform. The story's emotional weight lingers long after the credits roll, as Lily's struggle to secure stability becomes a heartbreaking reflection on the limits placed on women of her time. The film's atmospheric score and meticulous period detail immerse audiences in an era where every glance and gesture carried weight, making it a must-watch for fans of literary adaptations and period dramas alike.