Oliver Parker's 1991 film, based on Oscar Wilde's play, stars Rupert Everett (pictured) as Lord Arthur Goring. According to his friends Goring is "the idlest man in London" who is only aroused from his torpor by Mabel Chiltern (Minnie Driver, pictured, centre).
Meanwhile, Mabel's father, Sir Robert Chiltern (Jeremy Northam), is being blackmailed by Mrs Laura Cheveley (Julianne Moore) to change his opinion on a bill going through Parliament.
As betrayal, mistaken identities and romance abound, the delight comes from Wilde's bon mots and a top-class supporting cast (Peter Vaughan, Lindsay Duncan, John Wood and Cate Blanchett, pictured, left) in a classic comedy of manners.
Did you know? The green carnation that Arthur Goring selects for his buttonhole is a subtle homage to Oscar Wilde. Wilde and his inner circle of gay friends used to wear green carnations as a way of discreetly displaying their sexuality.
(3 Star)
Add a comment