Some major themes and characters are retained in the film; however, new characters and plot inventions are introduced. The film opens with Dorian disposing of Basil Hallward’s body and proceeds to flashback to one year earlier, when young Dorian Gray first arrives in London to inherit his abusive father’s estate. Dorian has his portrait painted by Basil and almost instantly falls under the debaucherous influence of Lord Henry Wotton, who instills in young Dorian his doctrine of new hedonism. After Wotton incessantly emphasizes the value of youth and beauty, Dorian, admiring the portrait, inadvertently sells his soul in return for eternal beauty and youth.