Nicole Kidman stars as Isabel Archer in the film adaptation of this novel. While some critics argue that the film never gets at what makes Isabel so special -- her vibrant originality -- it is important to note that James explicitly outlines in his own preface that Isabel's vibrancy is very much created by other characters' interest in her.
The Portrait of a Lady Questions and Answers
The Question and Answer section for The Portrait of a Lady is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
