An Ideal Husband

Cast: Cate Blanchett
Studio: Miramax
Rating: 8/10

In 1895, Oscar Wilde penned a comedy witty enough to please audiences one hundred and four years later. Director/screenwriter Oliver Parker’s version of Wilde’s play closed down the 1999 Cannes Film Festival. The tight direction of Parker, stellar acting performances, lavish sets, and impressive costuming immerse viewers in pre-turn-of-the-century English high society.

Have you ever done something you regret? Sir Robert Chiltern (Jeremy Northam) has. As a penniless young businessman, he leaked a government secret to a stockbroker. This launched his career along with his fortune. He’s a moral pillar now and a favorite politician. He regrets his past and has kept it a secret from all, including his doting, highborn wife, Lady Gertrud (Cate Blanchett), and his conceited, philandering friend, Lord Arthur Goring (Rupert Everett).

Sir Chiltern’s life is rocked when the aristocratic Mrs. Laura Cheveley (Julianne Moore) arrives in London and tries to blackmail the politician into giving Parliamentary backing to a swindle involving an Argentine scheme. Laura wishes to protect a large investment, and she has a document revealing Sir Chiltern’s past indiscretion.

He’s already denounced the Argentine project and knows his career and marriage will not withstand a sudden reversal, as his wife agrees that the project is a scam. However, if Sir Chiltern’s indiscretion is revealed, he’ll lose everything. Laura ups the ante by telling Lady Gertrud about Sir Chiltern’s past. Lady Gertrud attended school with the scheming Laura, and didn’t like her even then. Lady Gertrud doesn’t believe Laura’s accusations and has her thrown out, but Sir Chiltern can no longer deny his past. Horrified and betrayed, Lady Gertrud tearfully asks Sir Chiltern to leave.

In despair, the frantic politician asks Lord Goring for help, although his friend has proclaimed only to talk seriously on “Tuesdays between the hours of noon and three.” Lord Goring struggles over his carefree bachelorhood as it opposes his love for feisty Mabel (Minnie Driver), Sir Chiltern’s sister.

The film’s performances are stellar; especially Northam’s tormented Sir Chiltern in contrast to Everett’s charming arrogance. We cheer for both, wishing them the best. Also notable are Blanchett’s betrayed, though still loving, Lady Gertrud, and Moore’s wistful wickedness. All of the characters are vibrantly drawn, with reasons motivating their actions and personalities that aren’t black or white. The dialogue is masterful, with dangerous undercurrents, deep emotion, and humorous sarcasm.

An Ideal Husband’s opulent settings and costuming are pure eye-candy, with plush mansions, rich brocades, and dazzling jewels. The movie has the look of a rich tapestry.

The film would be ideal, if not for the contrived resolutions to the conflicts. The film ends with everything conveniently tied up and packaged with a glittering bow, but that pales in comparison to the masterful acting and spectacular peek into the 1800’s. An Ideal Husband is a winner. The movie is rated PG-13 for sensuality and nudity.

+ Kendeyl Johansen


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