Review of Wilde (1997) by Adrian A — 17 Feb 2008

WILDE is definately a film to see if you are interested in great writers, are gay, interested in history or simply enjoy a good story.

Stephen Fry was inspired casting as the lead as he not only looks like Oscar Wilde, has the correct height and build and is a writer himself, but he can relate to many of Wilde's experiences, thus making his performance truthful and believable.

Jude Law as Bosie, Wilde's premiscuous and firey partner is, like the real Bosie, eye candy and again gives a truthful and honest performance. The viewer cannot fail to sympathise with Wilde; he loves his two sons and their mother like life itself, and yet is torn between his family life and following his sexual orientation. Being true to himself and his work is what Wilde puts first, but his journey is not an easy one as Bosie makes it clear that he is interested in nothing physical with Oscar and would rather pay a succession of rent boys for his pleasure. And yet he clings to Wilde, declaring undying love for the man, despite storming out in the midst of regular tantrums.

Wilde too is unable to part from Bosie despite the stress he causes and even agrees to sue Bosie's father, Marquis Queensbury (The same Queensbury who created the rules for the sport of Boxing) when he publicy denounces Wilde as a "Bugger!" However, Queensbury had laid a trap and soon it is Wilde who is on trial for Indecency.

For fans of good cinema, WILDE delivers in every way. It is beautifully shot and Directed, is an intelligent story well told and has an amazing cast. A real MUST for an audience in the 21st Century who wish to broaden their minds. The events it portrays illustrate the barbarism with which a man who is true to himself was treated. There are lessons to be learnt here and such things must not be allowed to happen again!