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WILDE
In an electrifying performance that has "Oscar" (no pun!) written all over it, Stephan Fry brings to life Oscar Wilde in this new film about this most remarkable (again, no pun) man. Fry's portrayal will come as no surprise to those who remember him for his performances in COLD COMFORT FARM, A FISH CALLED WANDA, I.Q., PETER'S FRIENDS, as well as his unruffable Jeeves. In this version of Wilde, we see the many facets that brought Wilde to the attention of the world.
Despite a most flashy style of dress and demeanor that was shown to his admiring public, in private life his manner was that of a devoted family man to his dearly beloved wife, Constance (Jennifer Ehle) and his two children. In a weak moment, however, a young guest seduced him, making him aware of his homosexuality that had been kept in abeyance since his school days when he first became conscious of it. When later, at the age of 38, he met the very handsome Lord Alfred Douglas, a 22-year-old Oxford graduate, he entered the path that in a Victorian age with its strong anti-gay bias could only lead to his downfall. When his new friend introduced him to "rent boys," male prostitutes, it inevitably lead him further to neglect his wife and children and culminated in a disgracing jail sentence for "lewd conduct" with men.
Despite the passion for his male friends and his new life, he remained a most popular author and wit. Some of his better-known works included books and plays: LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY . Among his many witticisms, perhaps the best known are: "In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it." "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." "We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars." "There is no sin except stupidity." "The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it."
The film story of Oscar Wilde is beautifully brought to life because of its excellent cast. With Jude Law, Vanessa Redgrave, Jennifer Ehle, Gemma Jones, Judy Parfitt, Michael Sheen, Zoe Wanamker and Tom Wilkinson doing the honors of supporting Fry, the film is sheer perfection.
Directed by Brian Gilbert.
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Copyright 1998 Ben Hoffman
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