Period drama fans will be heartbroken to learn that this 1999 forgotten classic is set to leave the BBC on August 2, but with just days left to watch it, there’s no time like the present.
An Ideal Husband is a story taken straight from the mind of the legendary Oscar Wilde, adapted from the well-renowned play he wrote in 1895. The plotline follows a gripping story of blackmail and political corruption within an elite society as what it means to be an ‘ideal husband’ is highlighted.
It helps the film is jam-packed with Hollywood royalty, including Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Rupert Everett, Julianne Moore and Jeremy Northam. Their performances are carried by the direction of Oliver Parker, who also worked on the 2002 Wilde adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest.
Over 25 years since its release, An Ideal Husband still ranks high in the eyes of film fans, with an overall score of 85% on the review site Rotten Tomatoes. One impressive review states: “A delightful Oscar Wilde story with an all-star cast doing great work in a beautifully evoked period setting: that is a recipe for a delightful romantic comedy.”
In this social satire, the film revolves around the political figure Sir Robert Chiltern, played by Jeremy Northam, and his charming friend Lord Arthur Goring, played by Rupert Everett, who leads a perfect life with his wife, Gertrude. Although both of the men’s lives are turned upside down when an old friend of theirs arrives onto the scene, Mrs Laura Cheveley, who plans on blackmailing Chiltern with strong evidence of his past wrongdoings.
All of a sudden, everything is at risk for him, including his brilliant wife, played by Cate Blanchett, but it’s up to the two of them to confront this chaos head-on. As rumours begin to fly, his reputation is slipping and everyone starts to see the perfect man may be deeply flawed after all.
Viewers can’t help but praise the cast’s performances as they bring these complex characters to life on screen. A review claims: “Outstanding cast in this delightful comedy of high society England in the Victorian era. Rupert Everett was outstanding playing the handsome, charming ladies man… But the prize for the best acting must go to Julianne Moore.”
Another viewer wrote: “A rather good adaptation of one of Wilde’s best scripts delivered by a stellar cast. Jeremy Northam is fine, and one wonders why he has not done more on screen. Leisurely but smoothly directed with sumptuous art direction.”
One viewer spoke highly of Rupert Everett’s performance as Goring, writing: “Delightfully British, upper-class drollness and wit. Everett effortlessly inhabits his role, almost as if he was born to play a Wilde character.”
After the film’s success, An Ideal Husband was nominated for numerous BAFTA awards and Golden Globe awards and was well-received within the industry and by fans of the original works of Wilde.
The period drama remains the most successful adaptation of this timeless story and is considered by many to be both “witty” and “entertaining.”
A film critic summarised it well when they wrote: “It’s lavish, clever entertainment, a welcome opportunity to laugh without shame.”
Viewers have just days left to catch the film for free on BBC iPlayer before it disappears from the platform on August 2.