An Ideal Husband

Plot

A romantic and sentimental comedy set at the turn of the 19th century, An Ideal Husband delves into themes of love, passion, and betrayal among the aristocracy. Sir Robert Chiltern (Jeremy Northam), a brilliant politician and a perfect gentleman, is the ideal husband for the charming Lady Chiltern (Cate Blanchett). They have a widely envied marriage until charming Mrs. Cheveley (Julianne Moore) appears with the intention of revealing a dark secret from Chiltern's past. When his world seems to be falling apart, Chiltern turns to his lifelong friend Lord Arthur Goring (Rupert Everett), the most eligible bachelor in town. Goring soon finds himself caught up in a web of lies, temptations, and secret liaisons. Furthermore, the persistent charms of Sir Robert's sister Mabel (Minnie Driver) are becoming a serious threat to his much-cherished bachelorhood. Using political intrigue and clever wit, An Ideal Husband draws a picture of a society struggling with issues still valid today. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, Rovi

Review

Though sometimes indifferently directed by Oliver Parker, this adaptation of the popular Oscar Wilde play is frothy and enjoyable, with Rupert Everett perfectly cast as the bon mot-spouting likeness of Mr. Wilde. Everett seems born to deliver the writer's choicest quips and has an undeniable sex appeal that makes him "ideal" for the lead role. The relatively brief running time denotes a certain slightness (many of the meatier sections have been excised) and many of the more farcical elements appear strained, but the inventive casting more than compensates, with a tart Julianne Moore and a wonderfully wistful Cate Blanchett standing out in the rich supporting cast. Michael Howells' sumptuous production design is another strong point, effectively creating the 1890s with a healthy attention to detail. The film misses much of Wilde's more acrid sensibilities, but keeps his spirit most undeniably alive.

~ Jason Clark, Rovi

Cast

• Rupert Everett - Lord Arthur Goring
• Julianne Moore - Mrs. Laura Cheveley
• Jeremy Northam - Sir Robert Chiltern
• Cate Blanchett - Lady Gertrud Chiltern
• Minnie Driver - Mabel Chiltern

John Wood - Earl of Caversham; Lindsay Duncan - Lady Markby; Peter Vaughan - Phipps; Jeroen Krabbé - Baron Arnheim; Ben Pullen - Tommy

Credit

Celestia Fox - Casting, Nicky Kentish Barnes - Co-producer, Paul Tucker - Co-producer, Caroline Harris - Costume Designer, Richard Hewitt - First Assistant Director, Oliver Parker - Director, Guy Bensley - Editor, Susan B. Landau - Executive Producer, Andrea Calderwood - Executive Producer, Ralph Kamp - Executive Producer, Peter King - Hair Styles, Charlie Mole - Composer (Music Score), Peter King - Makeup, Michael Howells - Production Designer, David Johnson - Cinematographer, Bruce Davey - Producer, Barnaby Thompson - Producer, Uri Fruchtman - Producer, Peter Lindsay - Sound/Sound Designer, Oliver Parker - Screenwriter, Graeme Purdy - Properties Master, Oscar Wilde - Play Author

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