THE HOUSE OF MIRTH (2000)

Terence Davies' magnificent adaptation of Edith Wharton's masterpiece about the folly of one marriageable young woman who pays tragically for her restlessness burns through all the worn-out poses of period costume dramas. This stunning movie, starring Gillian Anderson in a career-igniting performance as proud, kind, foolish Lily Bart, makes a much-read American classic feel freshly devastating. Watch, too, for another piercing performance by Laura Linney as Lily's treacherous ''friend.'' And listen for Davies' astute use of music -- and silence. A