An Ideal Husband (1999)

Surprisingly incoherent and boring

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Although I've heard references to Oscar Wilde, I was not familiar with his work, much to my loss it is now decided. This movie, screenplay written based upon Mr. Wildes original work, is quintessentially English in every way, much like Downton Abbey of today's popularity. In fact it takes place in an earlier era, perhaps early 19th century, prior to electricity and horseless carriages, in a time when the English language used in discourse was employed in the highest articulation and most delicate insinuation, respectful of integrity, honor, and sensibility in personal interchanges, but fully pregnant with subtlety, deeper hidden meanings, and wileful if not guileful, wit. The story is not complex, but it is artfully constructed and beautifully played out by the highest quality acting that I have seen in a very long time. Rupert Everett, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Minnie Driver, John Wood, and even Peter Vaughn (as the butler) all contribute subtle but effective, and memorable performances in this wonderland of high British society. The comedic timing, the perfectly phrased and delivered lines all add to the impeccable artistry achieved in this film. The sets deliver the essence of sumptuously wealthy English domiciles imaginable, and rarely is a bare hand visible, as the ladies and gentlemen find the wearing of white gloves fashionable in the day. Ultimately, it is a story about love, affections, honor, human imperfection, friendship, wealthy aspirations and the ending of a bachelorhood, all woven together into a cloth of varying textures in a kaleidoscope of color, using the finest quality of threads (acting). This is simply a very lovely, very enjoyable, witty and visually stunning tale in a time long since left behind, that I found highly stimulating and fun to fall into for a while.

Oscar Wilde's exquisite comedy/play, which is also a remake (after the 1947 version from Alexander Korda). adapted by Oliver Parker (whose filmography is noteworthy for other play- turned films such as OTHELLO 1995 and another Wilde's masterpiece, the remake of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST 2002). I'm quite aware of my personal inclination over the glittering cast (a combo with British, American and Australian) may overweigh the intricate screenplay and laudable wisecracks, which turns out to be that it can effortlessly appease my expectations. As I haven't read the original book, I assume it's Wilde himself who should take most of the credit. On the other hand, the dexterity of Mr. Parker's talent should not be overlooked. The satirical overtone of the British milieu is undeniably gratifying judging by the taste of a foreign audience, all the twists thoroughly converge into the pyramidical outburst and unleashes a feel-good sensibility which is smooth but hasty, running at a length of a meagre 97 minute, the sparks is penny-pinching.One sure thing is that the competent cast manipulates a wonderful rendition against the sketchy arrangement, the first time of two of my goddess Moore and Blanchett star in the same film (a second time is a sadly under-appreciated THE SHIPPING NEWS 2001, in which they are two parallel lines), the magnificent good Vs. evil collision alone worths the ticket, Moore unstoppably exudes her elegant malignancies in each frame, dominates the entire picture under her grip despite of her not-so-packed screen time. And Blanchett, on the contrary, hides her lioness prowess and accomplishes an easier job as the forthrightly guileless Lady Gerturde Chiltern. Another victory comes from Lord Arthur Goring, who is winningly played by a chiseled Rupert Everett, he is utterly suitable. But Jeremy Northam and Minnie Driver's roles are tedious and uncanny respectively, forgive my taste and frankness, the latter falls short of appeal from any respect in my humble opinion. I give the film an 8/10, a little bit overrated I must say, but I could not resist the pure charisma from the dynamic verbal battles, especially in a language which I am able to understand.

This movie is one of the better romantic comedies. Julianna Moore steals the show as a beautiful but conniving woman who concocts an elaborate plot to snare a man, a confirmed bachelor, for marriage and in the process sets off a series of unanticipated but amusing events. Rupert Everett plays the target of Ms. Moore's intrigue; only one actor could have played the role better: George Sanders. What makes this movie even more entertaining is that the Moore/Everett characters mirror one another as each one tries to outdo the other's cynicism, with amusing results. All kinds of embarrassing moments occur as miscommunication leads to havoc which one hopes will be sorted out. The movie is based on a story by Oscar Wilde, which means that it will contain a lot of wit and biting commentary on the pomposity and decadence of the upper of the upper classes. This movie is wonderful.

This film is about a lady blackmailing a respectable lord, causing many merry misunderstandings and mischiefs in the subsequent days.Oscar Wilde adaptations always lighten up my heart. They are witty, merry and brings a smile to your face. The secret to his plays is that the viewers know something the characters do not. It is the same in The Ideal Husband, where the viewers know quite many things more than Robert Chiltern does. The dialogs are witty and elegant. The sets are lavish and grand as I would expect from the nobles. The best of all is Cate Blanchett's acting, she is able to delivery a wide range of emotions throughout with relative ease. This film is certainly entertaining to watch.