An Ideal Husband

You might initially think this is the kind of film your grandma would want to see. Certainly, there’s no sex, violence, swearing, car chases or explosions, but it’s by no means a boring film. Although it’s not for those who just want a few hours entertainment, this film has a lot to offer someone who follows both script and plot closely. Whilst ultimately a comedy, this film is also romantic, saddening, and nerve-wracking. Expertly adapted by Director Oliver Parker from Oscar Wilde’s play of the same name, An Ideal Husband could quite easily have been set in the present day, and it is this aspect which makes it so enjoyable. The plot - loving politician husband has dark secret, gets blackmailed by former fiancée, and goes to unmarried friend with a few secrets of his own for advice - could be found in any tabloid. But the tedium of tabloid scandal is avoided by Parker who leaves unaltered Wilde’s wit and social comment.

The film is set in the last decade of the nineteenth century, the characters members of London’s aristocracy. Sir Robert Chiltern (Northam), the said ‘ideal’ husband, is, of course, less than perfect. As is wont to happen, indiscretions from his past are brought up and threaten to wreck not only his career, but also his relationship with his wife (Blanchett). Chiltern looks to Lord Arthur Goring (Everett), who has much experience of alleviating the effects of his own indiscretions, for help. But Goring has secrets of his own which he is less than keen to reveal to Chiltern lest he jeopardise his romantic chances with Chiltern’s sister (Driver).

An Ideal Husband is a study of the social mores of the time, mocking the conventions, manners, and ideas of propriety. The performances given by the cast match the strength of Wilde’s original play, as they fully exploit its emotional layers and develop the characters. Parker brings all the aspects of Wilde’s original work together as he tries not to move too far from the original stage format, and yet manages to avoid stilting either characters or aesthetic effect by doing so. These aspects come together to produce a well rounded, balanced, and very enjoyable film. Watch out for a guest appearance by ‘Oscar Wilde’ himself.

Humbert Humbert