SNMR 5.11: "An Ideal Husband"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "An Ideal Husband" (1999, PG-13, 98 minutes), starring Jeremy Northam, Rupert Everett, Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver and Julianne Moore. The film was directed by Oliver Parker and based on the play by Oscar Wilde.

PLOT SUMMARY: Sir Robert (Northam) is a rising politician in the British Parliament near the turn of the century. He's got a beautiful wife (Blanchett), a charming sister (Driver), a care-free best friend (Everett) and a well hidden dirty little secret. Or so he thinks, until Ms. Chevely (Moore) rolls into town threatening to give it away and ruin his marriage and career.

MY OPINION: I've never read the play on which this film is based, so I can't say how much it strays from the original material. Having never heard of this film before, I borrowed it from the library based solely on the appeal and star power of the cast, not quite knowing what to expect. What started out as a stuffy English period piece turned out to be a witty, clever romantic comedy type movie, with lots of juicy intrigue. You have love, lies, honor, deceit, greed, blackmail and what (in 1895 London) would pass for insider trading in today's world. All with the prim and properness of the late 19^th century. This film aptly shows that these elements of society were prevalent then, much as they are today.

Cate Blanchett is a wonderful and extremely versatile actress whose performance is up to her normal high standards. Rupert Everett is also excellent in his role as the "hero". I like Minnie Driver as an actress but her performance was a bit stiff here, as was Jeremy Northam's. I've never been a fan of Julianne Moore and don't think she's a very good actress at all.

The film itself runs at a crisp 98 minutes. While I would not add this movie to my own DVD library, it is a rather enjoyable film and worth your time to watch.

***1/2 out of *****