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Minnie Driver as Mabel Chiltern (Image: Pathe Dist. Ltd)
A stellar cast made up of acclaimed actors Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Rupert Everett, Julianne Moore and Jeremy Northam feature in a British cinematic adaptation of one of the most cherished works by a legendary author.
On its release in 1999, Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband was enthusiastically embraced by both critics and audiences alike.
Nominated for numerous awards, it was also chosen as that year’s closing film at the Cannes Film Festival.
More recently, critics have praised its sharp comedy — with Everett landing the lion’s share of the witty one-liners — alongside its breathtaking settings and costumes. You can judge for yourself, as it is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Sir Robert Chiltern (Northam) is a well-regarded Member of Parliament at the dawn of the 20th century, yet his carefully constructed world threatens to unravel thanks to the scheming interference of Lady Markby (Lindsay Duncan).
Julianne Moore as Mrs Chevely and Rupert Everett as Lord Arthur Goring (Image: Pathe Dist. Ltd)
She reintroduces his wife, the principled Lady Gertrude Chiltern (Blanchett), to an old adversary from her schooldays, Mrs Laura Cheveley (Moore), who threatens to expose her husband unless he throws his weight behind a new bill.
It emerges Robert is far from the upstanding figure he appears, having amassed his fortune by leaking a cabinet secret — something his devoted wife had remained entirely oblivious to.
He seeks counsel from his companion Lord Arthur Goring (Everett), an apparently indolent yet razor-sharp dandy, who endeavours to persuade him to come clean to his wife.
Cate Blanchett (left) as Lady Chiltern Minnie Driver as Mabel Chiltern and Rupert Everett as Lord Arthur Goring (Image: Pathe Dist. Ltd)
The storyline deepens with treachery, miscommunication and blackmail. Devoted Wilde enthusiasts will spot several departures from the original 1895 play.
A scene revolving around Mrs Cheveley’s brooch has been cut and the conclusion is more intricate owing to a wager between two principal characters.
The film was broadly well-received by critics upon its release, taking £2.9 million at the UK box office and £11.2 million in the US and Canada. It holds an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes, where its wit and visual splendour are celebrated.
One film fan wrote: “It’s lavish, clever entertainment, a welcome opportunity to laugh without shame.”
Another said: “The exquisite teamwork and byplay make the film such a delight to watch.”
A third commended the cast: “Charming, delightful, comical at times, interesting at others, this film is drenched in beautiful settings and costumes, witty dialogue, and a great cast of actors in their top form,” they wrote.
