"We can forgive a man for making a useful thing as long as he does not admire it. The only excuse for making a useless thing is that one admires it intensely. All art is quite useless" (4). Nonetheless, in the film this is changed into a book of quotes and thoughts from Oscar Wilde that Dorian keeps in his den. Dorian finds these words to be inspirational, as he once reads them to his loved Sibyl allowing a rush of evil to take control over his body. Although they are words from the author, the words seem to have a dark meaning and a message that Sibyl finds rather strange. This allows the viewer of the film, to be introduced to the character of the author without having to read these quoted passages. .
In the film, the book of quotes mentioned earlier is seen on a table next to a black cat. Since the cat is not mentioned in the novel one cannot assume it does not belong in the film. The cat gives the film a dark and mysterious atmosphere that can be seen by the viewer. In the film Sibyl mentions that the cat's eyes move as if they were alive, which gives the viewer an impression that the cat is a watcher. The black cat, universally known for bad luck watches Dorian and it is almost as if it is influencing him as it praises all his bad doings. After reading one of Oscar Wilde's poems, Dorian seems to attain a dislike for Sibyl, while the cat just watches in evil motionless. The cat seems to serve as a symbol of the devil, and although this is not mentioned in the novel, it plays great importance in the film. .
In the novel it is known the Sibyl Vane calls Dorian her price charming. This emphasizes that Dorian's pretty face and charm are quite deceiving since the reader is aware of his evil soul. "You look more like a prince. I must call you Price Charming" (61). Sibyl is influenced by his charm into believing that he will save her and remove her from her poverty and misery. Although the name is altered in the film to Tristan, it still sends the message of Dorian as a strong and heroic character.
