Review of Wilde (1997) by Nikolai E — 04 Mar 2009

If Jazz is the essential American art form, then I think Britain can claim the period costume drama. This one measures up to the highest standards in every department, despite being a somewhat routine outing.

It's so routine, in fact, that it scarcely condemns or extols the lifestyle that it so frankly portrays, instead limiting itself to a chronicle of societal intrigues. The lack of a firm argument by the script might have raised questions of why this film was made, only it's greatly helped along by Stephen Fry in the role that I honestly believe he was literally born to play.

Maybe another actor could capture Wilde's playfulness and recklessness, but Fry grounds it all with a staggering amount of dignity that works wonders on the characterization. And maybe the fact that it's a gorgeously shot, impeccably designed, star-studded prestige film absolutely stuffed with gay sex is justification enough.