Description: Sexy leading man Rupert Everett heads an acclaimed all-star cast in this wonderfully witty story of decadence, romance, and scandal! Sir Robert is a highly respected politician whose spotless reputation is the pride of his beautiful wife (Cate Blanchett ) and adoring sister (Minnie Driver). But when an old acquaintance (Julianne Moore) threatens to reveal a dark secret from Robert's past, only his womanizing party-loving best friend Goring (Everett) is scheming and dishonest enough to come to his aid.
Amazon.com: For truly clever dialogue and a smartly structured plot, you can't go wrong with Oscar Wilde. Wilde's play An Ideal Husband is not his best known, but this film adaptation has all the wit you could ask for and a cast with the chops to deliver it: Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth, Oscar and Lucinda), Julianne Moore (Short Cuts, Boogie Nights), Minnie Driver (Grosse Pointe Blank, Big Night), Jeremy Northam (The Winslow Boy, Emma), and especially Rupert Everett (My Best Friend's Wedding, A Midsummer Night's Dream), who tosses off perfect epigrams with unflappable aplomb. The plot hinges on Northam, a member of Parliament (the British governing body, not the funk band) with a skeleton in his closet who is blackmailed into a shady business deal by a lady of mystery (Moore), who turns out to be a loathed school chum of the parliamentarian's wife (Blanchett). Everything is resolved happily, but not until after some devious twists of fate, several mistaken identities, lots of comic banter, and much social skewering. Wilde, who came to ruin when his homosexuality was brought to light, has a sharp eye for hypocrisy and the artificial poses demanded by society--but political commentary never gets in the way of a smart laugh. Visually sumptuous and briskly paced, An Ideal Husband will satisfy anyone looking for social satire or romantic comedy. --Bret Fetzer
Fabulous Adaptation It is always impossible to adapt a play to the screen without making some changes- and that was also true in this case. To which the only proper response is to say- so what? Did they keep the spirit and main ideas? Is it largely the same story? And in the case of any Oscar Wilde play- did they keep as much of the language, the dialogue and the wit as was possible? In this film the answer to all of these questions was a resounding YES- if Oscar Wilde had been available, this is what he would have done to turn his play into a film- especially given the extraordinary loads of talent he would have had to work with. There is not a single character here who was not perfectly cast and who did not deliver a pitch perfect performance. Oscar would have been very proud of this film. We probably watch this fabulous movie about four times a year. Even the DVD was very well done. This is one fabulous, beautiful movie. You will love it- it is an absolute must buy.
Any Oscar Wilde is good... And "An Ideal Husband" is no exception. This comedic morality play takes on courtship, blackmail and mistaken identities like only Oscar Wilde can. The film features an all-star cast who can deliver on the roles assigned to them. There was only one major divergence from the original play--but overall, the film is true to Wilde's script and humor.
"An Ideal Husband" is well worth watching more than once. If you are an Oscar Wilde fan, this lesser-known play is a worthwhile addition to your DVD collection.
An Ideal Husband
Someone gave this film to me as a gift. Interesting story about high society that involves marriage, friendship and behind the scene corruption in politics. I found it very enjoyable. A gift worth watching.
An Ideal Husband A thoroughly delightful comedy with plenty of twists and turns to keep one guessing what will happen next. Excellent cast. Although full of British humor it is still very understandable and entertaining to an American. It is funny, witty and tense with drama as well. A great ending. Not for young viewers due to a mature theme with sexual and political overtones, that is, however, tastefully done and is true to the era depicted. A message for males, but a super "chick-flick" for a girls night in - grab a glass of bubbly and enjoy.
An IDEAL British romp This film is charming. All 4 of the main characters are a delight to watch, and Julianne Moore makes a lovely viallainess. I love the wit and saracasm that seems to merrily flit from scene to scene like just another character in the plot. Highly recommended!!
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