“Period piece” films often provoke certain expectations: the costumes and sets will be beautiful, the language will be very formal . . . and the story will have no relation to the present day. However, in The House of Mirth, director Terence Davies maintains the very relevant message of Edith Wharton’s novel – that society can be cruel and its expectations constrictive. In this case, society turns against attractive young socialite Lily Bart (Gillian Anderson), who is unmarried and would prefer to stay independent. But early 20th century high-society women like Lily usually did not have that option, since their lifestyle required access to money. As a result, Lily is conflicted between her “need” to marry a wealthy man and her love for charming but non-moneyed lawyer Lawrence Selden (Eric Stoltz). But her options begin disappearing when influential socialite Bertha Dorset (Laura Linney) insinuates that Lily has conducted herself inappropriately; and in high society, the slightest hint of impropriety equals social death.

The House of Mirth has many strengths, the greatest being its acting. Gillian Anderson, best known for The X-Files, delivers an outstanding performance. Eric Stoltz (Mask, Pulp Fiction) and Laura Linney (The Truman Show) are also excellent. However, there are two main weaknesses in the film. First, the story, although significantly pared down from the novel, still has too many secondary characters that are often not fully fleshed out. Second, the film drags in many parts; there were a few too many slow panning shots of scenery, even for a costume drama. But overall, the film draws you in as it progresses in its tale of societal restrictions, jealousy, and preserving dignity at all costs.