What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedDorian
Will Self · Book · 2007
If you loved Dorian, start with The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde, 1908) — a book from the same story. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Dorian across media.
If Dorian captivated you, explore these stories that masterfully dissect the intersection of vanity, social performance, and the dark underbelly of privilege.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Phantom of the Paradise
Brian De Palma · Film · 1974
Adaptation
Dorian Gray
Film · 2009
Films on the same thread
Maurice
James Ivory · Film · 1987
Explores: homosexuality in Edwardian England, social repression, self-discovery.
Much like Dorian, this film navigates the tension between personal desire and the rigid expectations of society, offering a poignant look at identity within a stifling historical landscape.
Saltburn
Emerald Fennell · Film · 2023
Shares a thread with Dorian: Moral Decay.
This satire echoes the moral decay and obsession with appearances found in Dorian, focusing on the destructive power of influence and the artifice of the upper class.
Se7en
David Fincher · Film · 1995
Shares a thread with Dorian: Moral Decay.
If the bleak moral decay of Dorian resonated with you, this film provides a similarly dark, atmospheric exploration of human depravity and the consequences of obsession.
Orlando
Sally Potter · Film · 1992
Explores: Immortality, Gender Identity, Social Class.
This story mirrors the themes of immortality and shifting identity present in Dorian, challenging the nature of time and self through a lens of literary elegance.
Series on the same thread
Sherlock
Mark Gatiss · Series · 2010
Explores: Genius detective, High-functioning sociopath, Unconventional crime solving.
The protagonist shares a similar brilliance and detachment from standard morality as Dorian, grounding his unconventional life in the complex, shifting landscape of modern London.
Queer As Folk
Daniel Lipman · Series · 2000
Explores: Gay Culture, Urban Life, Friendship.
This series captures the hedonistic spirit and urban subculture that Will Self explores in Dorian, presenting an unapologetic look at community and life on the social fringe.
Will & Grace
David Kohan · Series · 1998
Explores: Friendship, Dating, Modern Relationships.
While lighter in tone, this show mirrors the focus on urban relationships and social navigation that defines the environment Dorian moves through in his decadent circles.
POSE
Brad Falchuk · Series · 2018
Explores: Ball Culture, Gender Identity, Social Class.
This series provides a vibrant, nuanced look at the 1980s social scene, capturing the same intersection of identity and performance found in the world of Dorian.
Podcasts on the same thread
Desinteligencia Artificial
Podcast
Explores: Modern Society, Technology, Future.
This podcast delves into the same decadentist philosophy that informs Dorian, offering a critical look at the surface-level nature of contemporary existence and societal decline.
heretics.
Podcast
Explores: contrarianism, dissent, free speech.
Just as Dorian challenges established norms through transgressive behavior, this podcast explores the necessity of dissent and the moral weight of speaking against the grain of culture.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Dorian by Will Self a direct sequel to The Picture of Dorian Gray?
No, Dorian is not a sequel. It is a reimagining of Oscar Wilde's 1908 novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, set within the London art scene of the early 1980s rather than the Victorian era.
Should I read The Picture of Dorian Gray before reading Dorian?
Reading The Picture of Dorian Gray first is recommended as Will Self describes his 2007 book as a shameless imitation of Wilde's original work. Understanding the source material provides necessary context for the themes of decadence and appearance explored in the modern adaptation.
How does the 2009 film Dorian Gray compare to the book Dorian?
While both the 2009 film Dorian Gray and Will Self's 2007 book Dorian are adaptations of the same source material, they interpret the narrative through different lenses. The book specifically focuses on the 1980s London art scene, contrasting with the film's broader cinematic approach to the original story.
What themes does Dorian share with Phantom of the Paradise?
Both Dorian and Phantom of the Paradise utilize the core narrative structure of the original Dorian Gray story to explore themes of vanity and corruption. They adapt the concept of a character whose physical appearance remains unchanged while their soul or life experiences deteriorate due to decadence.