Wilde
Wilde
| 01 September 1997 (USA)
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The story of Oscar Wilde, genius, poet, playwright and the First Modern Man. The self-realisation of his homosexuality caused Wilde enormous torment as he juggled marriage, fatherhood and responsibility with his obsessive love for Lord Alfred Douglas.

Reviews
Fairaher The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
Brennan Camacho Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.
Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.
Prismark10 Brian Gilbert's film Wilde is a handsomely mounted and sumptuous depiction of Oscar Wilde's fall from grace when he lost a criminal libel trial that accused him of sodomy.Stephen Fry has a good stab at playing the pompous, erudite wit, craving approval of high society but he does appear to be a bit flat. It is almost a one note performance which highlights his shortcomings as a dramatic actor.Jude Law's Bosie is handsome, brattish, selfish and despicable who only seems to care about himself and was wildly promiscuous. Then again by all accounts the real Bosie was a loathsome man.The film is a nice twee costume drama with some male nudity and love scenes but it comes across as rather sedate rather than wild.I wanted this version of Wilde to be raw and passionate, a loving husband and family man but someone who craves attention, acceptance from the aristocracy and who needs the desires of youthful men which led to his downfall.
Kirpianuscus realistic. complex. seductive. with a great chance - Stephen Fry in the lead role. not only for the physical resemblance. but for manner to remind an artist in different manner. for few memorable scenes - the speech in America, the family life, the trial and the subtle game between character and its creator. because Oscar Wilde existence remains one of the most inspired reflection of the birth of contemporary style to discover, use and live the life. the film gives inspired explanations about his generosity and about his blindness about social moral, about selfish and about his work, about the manner to assume art as part of hedonism. an admirable job does Jude Law in a role who, for a long period, was ambiguous. and that is one of the great virtues of film - to present a precise portrait not only for a great writer and his existence key moments but for a vision about life who dominates our time.
Boudoirbunny As an incredible Oscar Wilde fan I have to give credit where it's due. And in my opinion this movie definitely deserves a lot of it ! My expectations of this movie were rather high before watching it and it has not disappointed me in the slightest. The acting was absolutely wonderful, the directing superb and the setting just beautiful. The cast were amazingly well chosen and suited to their characters. From the very beginning I was enthralled by the performance of the cast. Most notably the magnificent Mr. Fry !The movie gave a remarkable insight into the impassioned and tumultuous life of Oscar Wilde. Him as a budding writer, him getting married to Constance, his realisation of his homosexuality and eventually his demise as the most famous and renowned writer of late Victorian society. It shows everything and covers the most important details of his life as a famed writer without becoming boring or slow. It is an extremely flowing, fast and easy movie to watch ! The majority of the movie centres around his furious relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas. The movie gives you the impression that from the very moment Oscar met "Bosie " he fell for him straight away, which by all accounts is very true. Even though he loved his wife dearly he could not deny his over powering and all consuming love for "Bosie". And yes. I believe it was love. Oscar was sincerely devoted to "Bosie " and that comes across in the movie. He fell for him like no other ! But in the strict, conventional and Victorian London their relationship and fumble's with other men were to be ostracised and deemed disgraceful. This movie shows the sheer outrage Oscar's affair with Lord Douglas and his dealings with other "men ". Who were known to be lower class rent boy's. It shows an outstandingly talented yet somewhat self destructive genius persecuted for his lifestyle. When Oscar Wilde (Stephen Fry)is facing small number of years in prison his great friend Robbie Ross gives him the chance up to go abroad and escape the harsh sentencing and public abuse. But no, Oscar refused to go and decided to stay and face the music, so to speak. Not only does this reflect a man of astonishing courage it reflects a man of truth, honesty and nobleness. Another thing I adored about this movie was the significance the makers of the movie put of the conventionality, snobbery and close-mindedness of that time. And they way Oscar Wilde was destined to not only be an individual who wasn't afraid to push boundaries and be daring. But to be a man of exceptional excellence ! Stephen Fry captivated the endearingly flamboyant, bold and imaginative Oscar. Michael Sheen seems to have Robbie Ross down to a "T" as the more kind, caring and likable of Oscar's lovers and as the movie progresses- friends. They become great friends and it is clearly obvious that Robbie Ross had Oscar's best interests at heart. Of course, he does not approve of the treacherous "Bosie" ! And neither did any of Oscar Wilde's acquaintances, family and friends. Stephen Fry couldn't have possibly been more convincing as Oscar Wilde. He embodied the very essence of the genius that was Mr Wilde himself. Seeing Stepen Fry play the lovable, vulnerable and affectionate Oscar was spectacular. The best thing I've seen Stepen Fry in yet ! Jude Law was also the perfect choice for the part of the spoilt, devious and manipulative Lord Alfred Douglas. Aka "Bosie". Who in certain parts of the film who can't help but feel an ounce of sympathy for. I know, I must be a very empathetic person ! But the fact is that he comes from a rather unstable family with a brutal father who over the years has viciously tormented and verbally abused his son. Oscar Wilde wants to love "Bossie " and show him that the beauty of love. Only Mr Douglass is not the most loving individual. The fact that he encouraged Oscar to be indulge in a depraved love life shows that he was a man out for himself. I'm not saying he didn't love Oscar, I'm sure he did but in a very selfish, inconsiderate and mercenary way. As for Oscar he appears to be the complete opposite. He is enchanted and enticed by the youth of Lord Alfred Douglas. It was a pleasant surprise to see how brilliantly Stephen Fry and Jude Law complimented each other's performances. The is a sparkling energy between them both that is delightful to watch and observe. Stephen Fry rained supreme as the loving, gentle and tender Oscar and Jude Law was marvellous as the not so loving or forgiving Lord Alfred Douglas. Micheal Sheen was perfectly suited playing Oscar's great friend Robbie Ross. Tom Wilkinson was fabulous as the spiteful Marquess Of Queensbury. Jennifer Ehle was marvellous at playing Constance Loyld. She captured her introverted, shy and quiet personality wonderfully well. Vanessa Redgrave did the most stunning Irish accent. Her acting was also pretty sharp too as the proud Mother of Oscar. Last but not least- Zoe Wannamaker was grand at playing the honest and interesting Ava Lerverson. I found this movie to be an absolute must see for any literature fan. It's dialogue is terrific and the acting tremendous. Director Brian Gilbert and screen writers did a magnificent job.
tyleet27 As a Wilde aficionado, I have to say that despite the screwing around with the timeline and the origins of a few characters such as Robbie Ross (in the interest, I feel, of cinematic plausibility and tension), the movie really does do an excellent job of presenting Oscar Wilde to the general public. In particular, the film retains much of the spirit of Joseph Ellman's celebrated Wilde biography, showing a usually neglected aspect of Wilde's character--that of the "unselfish giant".As a Stephen Fry whore, I don't really need to tell you how stunning his performance is, showing us Wilde's deceptively sharp wit alongside his surprising innocence and gentle spirit, a delicious contrast to the petulant arrogance Jude Law brings to Bosie. The relationship with Constance and Wilde's children is particularly well done, commentating lightly on the nature of family versus art--and the slow telling of "The Selfish Giant" seems almost like a commentary by the author himself. Perhaps my only criticism would be that the sheer magnitude of time attempted by the film might be overwhelming to anyone not at least vaguely familiar with Oscar's life. Rather as though the director looked at all the salivatingly wonderful times in his life, and decided to do them all, instead of just one or two. Wilde's life as a writer and an aesthete is largely overlooked, perhaps forgivably since the modern audience is always more concerned with romance than achievement. We'll save the movie on Oscar's ulterior decorating for later.All in all, I can honestly say that Wilde is one of my most favorite films, stuffed with visual loveliness (Really? A young, hot Stephen Fry AND a pouting Jude Law? Who could ask for more?) wickedly genteel humor, a subject to end all others, and a sort of quiet dignity and elegance lying underneath it all. To anyone who disagrees, I have only this to say to you-- Well. It's perfectly easy to be cynical.