Review of Wilde (1997) by Barbara D — 09 Jun 2008

I watched this film with extremely high expectations, since I am a fan of Wilde's work and I am also a fan of Stephen Fry's work. I wasn't completely and utterly disappointed, but I was a little bit let down slightly in some parts ...

The casting was brilliant. Jude Law was a terrific Bosie (he truly captured his immaturity, selfishness and childishness brilliantly) and of course, Stephen Fry was amazing, simply amazing as Oscar Wilde. However, I would place this film on the 80% mark rather than the 90% mark that Maurice is on. Although this was a brilliant film, I was a bit disappointed with the scenes of Oscar in gaol. I read The Ballad of Reading Gaol and it is simply one of the most magnificent works of poetry that I have ever read, but the gaol scenes didn't seem to reflect the true emotion in the poem. I didn't believe the scenes in gaol, and I expected the film in general to be a lot more hard-hitting and heavy, but instead it was light.

Although the film was light, there were some bits in it that were amazing. The scene when Bosie is shooting a pistol into the air and making a scene was brilliant, and there was an extremely awkward moment between Oscar, Bosie and a few renters which is worth mentioning.

Another tragic thing is how the film ended. Since I know a lot about Oscar Wilde, I knew what was going to happen, I knew where the story was going ... actually, I think I'm going to stop here in case someone doesn't want to know the ending.

Well, this film is certainly worth watching. It's fantastic, but I wouldn't say that it's in the same league as another film I love, Maurice. I'm pretty sure though, that this film will become one of my favourites!