Review of The Importance of Being Earnest (2002) by Helen G — 18 Nov 2018

The last film I saw that I really enjoyed watching was «The Importance of Being Earnest», a nice comedy that made a great impression on me. The film was shot by English film-director Oliver Parker and appeared on the screens in 2002. The comedy was created as a screen adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play and combined the atmosphere of the 19th century with some modern jokes.

Set in 19th century London and its outskirts, the film tells the story of handsome and well-off bachelor Jack Worthy. He is two-faced and leads a double life. He calls himself Earnest in surroundings of his friends in London and Jack in his country house. He is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax and one day he pays respect to her. Gwendolen has always dreamt of marrying someone whose name is Earnest and she is happy to meet him. Jack is known to be an eligible husband, however, his uncertain background and fake name trigger a lot of problems.

In this screen adaptation you can find heroes with various characters and different manners of behavior: Jack Worthing, who is smart and decisive enough to reach the admiration of his beloved Gwendolen and her mother, Algernon Moncrieff, who tends to be sly and avoids repaying his depts, Cecily Cardew, a young girl that lives in her own dreamy world and wishes to find her knight, a timid governess Miss Prism, etc. The characters are completely believable and the dialogues are witty.

I found the plot rather funny. I think it fully describes the spirit of the Victorian's Era society that was bitterly criticized in Oscar Wilde's play. All characters are shown with their own vices and prejudices. For instance, Lady Bracknell tries to find a worthy rich husband for he daughter and turns a blind eye to Gwendolen's preferences. Algernon Moncrieff is also depicted as a typical English man of 19th century who wastes his time and money in pubs and doesn't think about his future.

The film is shot in a light and humorous manner that may appeal to people who want to relax and watch something simple. I would definitely recommend it to those who are tired and have a desire to watch something on Sunday evening.