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A Reel Life film section

Issue: Winter 2004


An Ideal Husband movie review

Sir Robert Chiltern (Jeremy Northam) is a rising young politician, ably assisted by his brilliant wife Lady Gertrude (Cate Blanchett). His best friend is the handsome and idle Lord Arthur Goring (Rupert Everett). It is the height of the season and Lord Arthur is flirting with Sir Robert's sister Mabel (Minnie Driver) while trying to avoid the advice of his father (John Wood). Into this idyllic life comes Mrs Cheveley (Julianne Moore), a woman with a secret about Sir Robert and a desire for money and power, and possibly Lord Arthur.

Based on the play by the very talented Oscar Wilde, An Ideal Husband is a beautifully-produced and well-performed satirical piece.

Movie poster, An Ideal Husband; Festivale film review

Movie poster, An Ideal Husband
He just doesn't know it yet.

The characters live a stylised life of beautiful clothes and witty repartee, far from the unkempt crowds outside their gracious homes. Wilde is known for his clever turns of phrase and his biting, yet somewhat fond, commentary on the rich and famous.

This version of An Ideal Husband is an excellent, lushly-presented performance of a classic play, charming for those familiar with the work of the master, and a wonderful initiation for those new to his pen.

Highly Recommended.

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by Ali Kayn
Australian release 14 October 1999
For credits and official site details, see below
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Just the facts:

Title: Ideal Husband (1999)
Written by: Oscar Wilde (play) Oliver Parker (screenplay)
Directed by: Oliver Parker
running time:

The Players: Rupert Everett, Jeremy Northam, Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, John Wood, Julianne Moore

Official website:
IMDB:
IMDb entry

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