---
title: "Lolita"
year: 1997
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/lolita-1997"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 9769
imdb_id: "tt0119558"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 137
community_rating: 7.1
vote_count: 1991
content_rating: "R"
---

# Lolita (1997) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/lolita-1997

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The 1997 film Lolita is a drama directed by Adrian Lyne and written by Stephen Schiff, based on Vladimir Nabokov's 1955 novel of the same name. The film stars Jeremy Irons as Humbert Humbert and Dominique Swain as Dolores "Lolita" Haze, with supporting roles by Melanie Griffith and Frank Langella. Humbert Humbert is a middle-aged British novelist who becomes obsessed with Lolita, the teenage daughter of Charlotte Haze, after coming to stay at her boarding house. The film is the second screen adaptation of Nabokov's novel, which was first published in 1955 and has been both admired and controversial due to its complex themes and masterful prose. The story is set in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s and explores a relationship between a man in his forties and a young girl. The film features a cast of established actors and is a notable adaptation of a classic and iconic novel.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A British novelist becomes dangerously obsessed with his landlady's teenage daughter in this adaptation."

### Why Watch
- compelling character study
- intense performances

### Caveats & Content Note
- disturbing subject matter
- Tone & Suitability: This film contains mature themes regarding obsession and inappropriate relationships.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: obsessive, dramatic, literary

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, OVID, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Kanopy, Hoopla | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Hoopla | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Adrian Lyne
- **Networks / Studios**: Pathé, Lolita Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Jeremy Irons** as *Humbert Humbert*
- **Dominique Swain** as *Dolores "Lolita" Haze*
- **Melanie Griffith** as *Charlotte Haze*
- **Frank Langella** as *Clare Quilty*
- **Suzanne Shepherd** as *Miss Pratt*
- **Keith Reddin** as *Reverend Rigger*
- **Erin J. Dean** as *Mona*
- **Joan Glover** as *Miss LaBone*
- **Pat Perkins** as *Louise*
- **Ed Grady** as *Dr. Melinik*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the film about?
It follows a middle-aged novelist who develops an obsession with his landlady's teenage daughter.

### Q: Who is the main character?
The protagonist is Humbert Humbert, a British novelist.

### Q: Where does the story take place?
The story begins at a boarding house run by Charlotte Haze.

### Q: Is this based on a book?
Yes, the film is an adaptation of a literary work.

### Q: What is the tone?
The tone is dramatic and centers on the internal conflict and obsession of the lead character.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Lolita - Wikipedia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lolita)
- [Lolita (1997 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lolita_(1997_film))
- [Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov - Google Books](https://books.google.com/books/about/Lolita.html?id=TRNWEQAAQBAJ)
- [Lolita (1997) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119558)
- ['Lolita' Turns 70: Why Vladimir Nabokov’s Controversial Novel Is Just ...](https://people.com/lolita-70th-anniversary-vladimir-nabokov-11809986)
- [Lolita (1997 movie) - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lolita_(1997_movie))

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*