An Ideal Husband

1999 Comedy

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. more..

Director: Oliver Parker

Starring: Rupert Everett, Julianne Moore, Jeremy Northam, Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver

Reviews

  • It's a movie of uncommon eloquence and elegance, acted by a truly gifted cast.

    Michael Wilmington - The Chicago Tribune

    29 November 2012

  • Parker has shaped the play to make it more film-friendly and relevant, but he has done so with such subtlety you would have to be a Wilde authority even to notice.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    29 November 2012

  • What shakes the dust off this period piece is the vibrant acting.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    29 November 2012

  • Parker stays with and even streamlines Wilde's clever manipulations of betrayals and lies and plots and counterplots. Yet the film never feels stagy.

    Stephen Hunter - The Washington Post

    29 November 2012

  • The two leading men, Northam and Everett, are smooth and charming.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Best Costume Design

    BAFTA Awards (2000)

     
  • Best Supporting Actress

    Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (2000)

     
  • Best Actor

    Chlotrudis Awards (2000)

     
  • Best Actor

    European Film Awards (1999)

     
  • Best Actor

    Evening Standard British Film Awards (2000)