‘Stunning’ BBC period drama with all-star cast will be axed in days
An Ideal Husband is set to leave the BBC iPlayer platform on August 2, but with just days left to watch the film, there’s no time like the present
Enthusiasts of period dramas will be devastated to discover this 1999 gem is departing the BBC on August 2, but with merely days remaining to view it, now is the perfect moment.
An Ideal Husband presents a tale drawn directly from the brilliant mind of the iconic Oscar Wilde, brought to life from the celebrated play he penned in 1895. The storyline follows a captivating tale of extortion and political scandal amongst high society as the concept of what constitutes an ‘ideal husband’ comes under scrutiny.
The production benefits from being filled with A-list talent, featuring Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Rupert Everett, Julianne Moore and Jeremy Northam. Their acting is enhanced by Oliver Parker’s direction, who previously helmed the 2002 Wilde adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest.
More than 25 years after its debut, An Ideal Husband continues to hold favour amongst cinema enthusiasts, boasting an impressive 85% rating on review platform Rotten Tomatoes. One glowing review says: “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 story centres around political figure Sir Robert Chiltern, portrayed by Jeremy Northam, and his delightful companion Lord Arthur Goring, brought to life by Rupert Everett, who enjoys an idyllic existence alongside his wife, Gertrude, reports the Express.
However, both gentlemen find their worlds completely overturned when a former acquaintance makes her entrance – Mrs Laura Cheveley, who intends to blackmail Chiltern using compelling proof of his historical misdeeds.
Suddenly, everything hangs in the balance for him, including his brilliant wife, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, yet it falls to the pair of them to tackle this turmoil directly. As whispers begin to circulate, his standing starts to crumble and everyone begins to realise the seemingly flawless gentleman might be fundamentally compromised.
Audiences cannot help but commend the ensemble’s portrayals as they breathe life into these intricate personalities on screen. One review states: “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.”
A viewer added: “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 praised Rupert Everett’s portrayal of Goring, penning: “Delightfully British, upper-class drollness and wit. Everett effortlessly inhabits his role, almost as if he was born to play a Wilde character.”
Following the film’s triumph, An Ideal Husband received multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations and garnered acclaim from both industry professionals and admirers of Wilde’s original literature.
The costume drama stands as the most accomplished version of this enduring tale and is regarded by countless critics as both “witty” and “entertaining.”
One film reviewer captured it perfectly, noting: “It’s lavish, clever entertainment, a welcome opportunity to laugh without shame.”
Audiences have merely days remaining to watch the film without charge on BBC iPlayer before it vanishes from the service on August 2.
SOURCE: WALESONLINE