Credited cast: | |||
Colin Morgan | ... | Alfred Bosie Douglas | |
Colin Firth | ... | Reggie Turner | |
Emily Watson | ... | Constance Wilde | |
Rupert Everett | ... | Oscar Wilde | |
Anna Chancellor | ... | Lydia Arbuthnott | |
Tom Wilkinson | ... | Father Cuthbert Dunne | |
Béatrice Dalle | ... | Café-Concert Manager | |
Ronald Pickup | ... | Judge | |
Julian Wadham | ... | Mr. Arbuthnott | |
John Standing | ... | Dr. Tucker | |
Joshua McGuire | ... | Ambrose Smithers | |
Daniel Weyman | ... | Beauchamp Denis Brown | |
Edwin Thomas | ... | Robert Robbie Ross | |
Tom Colley | ... | Maurice Gilbert | |
André Penvern | ... | Mr. Dupoirier |
In a cheap Parisian hotel room Oscar Wilde lies on his death bed. The past floods back, taking him to other times and places. Was he once the most famous man in London? The artist crucified by a society that once worshipped him? Under the microscope of death he reviews the failed attempt to reconcile with his long suffering wife Constance, the ensuing reprisal of his fatal love affair with Lord Alfred Douglas and the warmth and devotion of Robbie Ross, who tried and failed to save him from himself. Travelling through Wilde's final act and journeys through England, France and Italy, the transience of lust is laid bare and the true riches of love are revealed. It is a portrait of the dark side of a genius who lived and died for love. Written by Beta Film GmbH
A solid biopic about Oscar Wilde with a terrific Rupert Everett in the leading role. A great transformation not only physically but also his whole mechanisms as an actor are totally redefined. I would not be surprised if his performance as legendary poet and playwright Oscar Wilde will actually get him Oscar attention next year. Its definitely a performance they soak up and adore. The film itself was fine, but nothing to write home about. I had some troubles with Rupert Everett's direction actually. It could have been better set up and the narrative was a bit weird at times. Performance wise it was not only because of Everett's undoubtedly great performance good. Emily Watson shines as his estranged wife but I had hoped she would have more screen time as she really lived that character and although the screen time was limited she really shined in all of her scenes. Colin Firth was good as well and took care about some comedic relief in a at times too dry biopic. The score was good and the cinematography fine - offering a lot of beautiful sceneries. Definitely worth to check out for the performance and if you are a fan of Wilde himself as they depict him and his work and language just well.