An Ideal Husband (1999)

86% of critics liked it
(63 reviews)
66% of users liked it
(10,340 ratings)

A romantic and sentimental comedy set at the turn of the 19th century, An Ideal Husband delves into themes of love, passion, and betrayal among the aristocracy. Sir Robert Chiltern (Jeremy Northam), a brilliant politician and a perfect gentleman, is the ideal husband for the charming Lady Chiltern… More A romantic and sentimental comedy set at the turn of the 19th century, An Ideal Husband delves into themes of love, passion, and betrayal among the aristocracy. Sir Robert Chiltern (Jeremy Northam), a brilliant politician and a perfect gentleman, is the ideal husband for the charming Lady Chiltern (Cate Blanchett). They have a widely envied marriage until charming Mrs. Cheveley (Julianne Moore) appears with the intention of revealing a dark secret from Chiltern's past. When his world seems to be falling apart, Chiltern turns to his lifelong friend Lord Arthur Goring (Rupert Everett), the most eligible bachelor in town. Goring soon finds himself caught up in a web of lies, temptations, and secret liaisons. Furthermore, the persistent charms of Sir Robert's sister Mabel (Minnie Driver) are becoming a serious threat to his much-cherished bachelorhood. Using political intrigue and clever wit, An Ideal Husband draws a picture of a society struggling with issues still valid today. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: Oliver Parker
Written By: Oliver Parker
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 18, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Jan 18, 2000
Studio: Miramax Films

Critic Reviews

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
An enjoyable, minor, lustrously shot revamping of Oscar Wilde's play about the perpetually interlocked manners of love and deception.
Derek Elley, Variety
Smooth-flowing direction, a shrewdly pruned script and a top-flight ensemble cast that visibly relishes both the dialogue and one another's perfs make this a tony item for upscale, mature audiences.
Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
Parker has made a sensible cinematic translation of Wilde's play, intercutting scenes which would have been played consecutively on the stage.
, Globe and Mail
[I]t's likely that Mr. Wilde, who once wrote, 'A poet can survive anything but a misprint,' would have been less than thrilled with the result.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Wilde was always about lots more than witty repartee, and as sparkling as his play is as drawing-room comedy, it reveals his concern with the timeless values of unselfish love and forgiveness.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
An Ideal Husband works because Wilde created an expert mechanism (kind of slow-motion serious screwball comedy) for manipulating the plot and characters.
, Film4
Quality comedy with a sprinkling of romance, skilfully assembled by a director with a clear feel for the material. Performances are universally great and the dialogue, of course, is superb.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
It's lavish, clever entertainment, a welcome opportunity to laugh without shame.
Karina Montgomery, Cinerina
It's a pleasant diversion but sadly, little more than a chance to hear Rupert's barbed wit.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
The exquisite teamwork and byplay make the film such a delight to watch.
Mark Halverson, Sacramento News & Review
All the other performances -- from Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Julianne Moore, John Wood and Peter Vaughan -- are first rate.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Certain stretches truly sparkle, but the movie is not as inventive as The Winslow Boy, nor as relaxed and goofy as Midsummer[night's Dream].
Ron Wells, Film Threat
Rupert Everett goes buck wild (okay, Oscar Wilde) in this Victorian comedy of manners and romance.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
An ideal alternative to the onslaught of Hollywood summer films.
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
An Ideal Husband is, at its heart, a romantic comedy of mix-ups.
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
It is sad that this kind of dialogue is seen so infrequently in modern films; Wilde had a way with words unparalleled in this century.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
Alas, something went wrong between stage and screen...
Betty Jo Tucker, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
A movie whose few imperfections never detract from its elegant characters and intriguing plot.
Wade Major, Boxoffice Magazine
While it would have been easy to simply rely on the strength of Wilde's writing to carry the project, Parker and his cast never give any less than their very best...

Read all 19 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Ross C

Comedy about a 19th C. MP whose marriage comes under threat by blackmail
Candy R

Great cast. Good plot.
jay n

everyone is good but Rupert Everett is brilliant!
Michael G

Witty, charming and fun. See it once and you never really need to see it again.
Doctor S

Superbly written Oscar Wilde adaptation weaves its layers of romance and deceit masterfully, brimming with dry wit and astute observations about love. Marvelous cast with Rupert Everett scoring highest, and even the peerless Cate Blanchett would step aside to acknowledge the… More
Superbly written Oscar Wilde adaptation weaves its layers of romance and deceit masterfully, brimming with dry wit and astute observations about love. Marvelous cast with Rupert Everett scoring highest, and even the peerless Cate Blanchett would step aside to acknowledge the delightful doe-eyed performance of Minnie Driver. Be aware the whole film is one long talkfest, but if you savor the digestion of skilled, multi-meaning conversation, then 'An Ideal Husband' is a sumptuous feast for the ears.
Daisy M

<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/11l3akn.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> Oscar Wilde's play, An Ideal husband, remake in movie with great… More
<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/11l3akn.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> Oscar Wilde's play, An Ideal husband, remake in movie with great performances by Cate Blanchette, Rupert Everett, Jullianne Moore and directed by Oliver Parker. I must say refreshing British humor with very funny scenes. Julianne Moore portrayed the blackmailer Mrs. Laura Chevely very well, But I liked Rupert Everett, for me he stole the complete show. Everett had naturally charm and charisma, and fits perfectly for the Lord Goring role. All in all, I highly recommend this movie.
Sunil J

A well-executed Oscar Wilde play that is both funny and charming.
Leo L

Hilarious and cute!
Barry L

Me! LOL.