The Golden Bowl (film)

The Golden Bowl is a 2000 romantic drama film directed by James Ivory. It is an adaptation of the 1904 novel of the same name by Henry James. The film stars Uma Thurman, Nick Nolte, Anjelica Huston, Jeremy Northam, and Kate Beckinsale.

The film's plot, like the novel, revolves around the complex relationships and marriages of four main characters in Edwardian England: wealthy American widower Adam Verver (Nolte), his daughter Maggie (Beckinsale), Maggie's husband Prince Amerigo (Northam), and Charlotte Stant (Thurman), Maggie's close friend and Amerigo's former lover.

The narrative explores themes of wealth, betrayal, deception, and the subtle power dynamics within marriage and high society. Charlotte marries Adam Verver, creating a situation where the former lovers, Amerigo and Charlotte, are now step-siblings-in-law. The film charts the unfolding of their suppressed desires and the eventual confrontation with their past choices, forcing Maggie to confront the truth and fight for her marriage and her father's happiness.

The film was known for its opulent production design, costume design, and performances. Although reviews were mixed, the film garnered attention for its faithful adaptation of James's complex novel and its exploration of psychological nuances within the characters. It was nominated for several awards, including a Palme d'Or at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival.