Review of Wilde (1997) by Mikael K — 21 Aug 2010

Oscart Wilde has always been an elusive persona for later generations to analyze as both his life and his art is made up of many seemingly contradicting elements. Director Brian Gilbert created this slightly stuffy but ultimately interesting biographical film to illuminate Wilde's life through what is known of his odd relationship with Lord Alfred "Bosie" Douglas and the trial that sent Wilde to prison on the grounds of sodomy, indecency and what not.

It's very fortunate that Stephen Fry is the one to play Wilde; his performance makes up for a lot of the slightly tired or underwhelming aspects of the storytelling. Jude Law on the other hand dissapoints with his Bosie. The character is understandably difficult as he has so many absolutely infuriating qualities and is pathologically ungenuine in his behavior, but I felt that Law was ungenuine in playing someone who's ungenuine.

Despite some fundamental flaws Gilbert's attempt at probing the myth that is Oscar Wilde becomes a fascinating and accomplished biographical interpretation. I've seen "Wilde" multiple times and it has endured those viewings, remaining a film I think has something significant to offer for people interested in the works of a certain undying literary genius.