Absolutely Fantastic

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

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.

Unlike other Victorian films of the '90s (Emma - Gwyneth Paltrow) An Ideal Husband holds up very nicely. Much of the appeal of a first viewing comes from watching a perfectly cast Rupert Everett traipse through Oscar Wilde effortlessly. Ensuing viewings reveal that both Blanchett and Northam assay their characters quite finely also; although their scenes together are really almost too much to bear without rolling ones eyes ("Love me Gertrude! Love me!" "Hold me Robert..!"). Blanchett, although plain, becomes increasingly beautiful as she inhabits Victorian trappings and mores, while trying to hold it all together. As she strives to accommodate all sorts of conflict she grows more and more winsome. The narrative lets her and Robert off the hook. In a bit of ethical dissonance, we're meant to feel that gluing the two back together (in upper class splendor) is more important than reckoning with the loathsome, traitorous source of Robert's wealth, and Gertrude's social standing. They're quite a pair of hypocrites. Ah well, it's the convention of light comedy to share their delusion, and devalue such things.Well past the resolution of the major conflict, the movie lingers over some glorious, goofy moments in the Chiltern mansion. You may wonder why the movie stays so long, but the scenes are there to resolve a secondary plot line. They're droll and underplayed wonderfully. Just about every scene of Minnie Driver and Rupert Everett bantering is a gem; with some subtle face work and reactions. This coda is also shot & pieced together nicely, with even the camera placement being thoughtful and funny (A vain Minnie Driver steams past the camera to await a proposal behind a palm tree. Everett and his disapproving father depart the screen symmetrically off either side. heh he he.. good stuff.) Whenever I think I bought this movie in a moment of weakness, I pop it in and it always makes me laugh out loud.

It's quite a long time that i haven't seen such a perfect movie: a highly talented cast, a lavishing setting and a finely chiseled and powerful script.Here, you got an all-star team: Driver as the eccentric but romantic young woman (unfortunately a falling star that hasn't shine for a long time), Moore as the Machiavellian lonely woman, Everett as the helpful friend, "Sir Robert" as the courageous man and ... Blanchet as the lovely wife whom characterization deeply moved me. In my tumultuous life, i was just wondering what's the special gift a woman can offer (me) to fall in love: beauty, wit, sensuality, wealth, power? Gertrude has nothing of that but her kindness, her attention, her devotion left me under the spell. She could become easily my ideal wife.Then, the story happens in the Victorian time for which i have also a strong tie. I just really appreciate the British phlegm: you can say the more vile things but always with class. Here, you find cupidity, blackmail, lies, ambition but there's nor a fight nor a shout! At last, the script is really well written: you don't know if this is a romance, a buddy movie, a thriller or a tragedy. I really like the morals questions the movie asks: can a bad action be redeemed? How can a true friend be helpful? Does love live with lies? The answers are not brought in a dull, academic patronizing way but playfully because all the characters seems to orbit around each other! In conclusion, it's a sort of lighter and happier "Carlito's way" thus a great movie that is maybe really unknown.

An Ideal Husband is a feast of exquisite language and subtle intrigues. If you have not seen this version of the play, you would be served well by a viewing.This comedy of manners by Oscar Wilde has been given its just due in the production starring Rupert Everett, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, and Jeremy Northam. These actors are excellent in their parts, but Moore and Everett stand out in their roles of the blackmailer with the heart of gold and the shallow ne'er-do-well whose crafty brilliance saves the day.John Wood, who plays Everett's exasperated father, should also be mentioned. One might say that his performance is over the top, but that is exactly what is needed for the part.The film starts slowly, so you must have patience in order to be rewarded. If you are not familiar with the play you might be helped in your appreciation of the film by viewing the featurette included on the DVD. It serves as a worthy preface for the film.It is interesting to note that, about the time this play was being written, Wilde was about to become involved in his trial for being a homosexual the results of which would send him to prison and destroy much of his spirit.How ironic that the social conventions that Wilde so expertly and exquisitely barbed would have such a tragic influence upon his personal life. Enjoy the film as a look at history and as a reminder that social attitudes continue to exert considerable influence upon human behavior.