Wilde Synopsis & Summary

Synopsis

Literary genius, legendary wit, bon vivant, and gay martyr, Oscar Wilde was a man whose legend has grown to iconic proportions since his death at the beginning of the 20th century. Establishing Wilde (Stephen Fry) as a loving family man, complete with a wife (Jennifer Ehle) and two adorable sons, the film takes pains to portray him as a dignified genius who was as pained by what he considered his own sin -- his homosexuality -- as he was delighted by the sins of others. From his initial encounters with Robbie Ross (Michael Sheen), his first male lover, through his tragic affair with the beautiful and bratty Alfred Lord Douglas (a perfectly cast Jude Law), Wilde is seen as a conflicted fellow, warring with his own urges even as he dazzles everyone around him. - Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide

Movie Info

Starring:
Stephen Fry, Jude Law, Vanessa Redgrave, Jennifer Ehle, Gemma Jones
Theatrical Release Date:
05/01/1998
DVD Release Date:
03/19/2002
Rating:
R
MPAA Reasons:
for strong sexuality and language.
Run Time:
120 min.
Distributor(s):
Paramount
Production Co.:
Polygram, Samuelson Productions
Director(s):
Brian Gilbert
Genre(s):
Drama
Themes:
Social Injustice, Writer's Life, Rise and Fall Stories
Tone:
Bittersweet, Poignant, Witty, Wry, Elegant
Keywords:
Victorian, fall [downfall], gossip, homosexual, playwright, scandal, wit
Country of Origin:
USA (05-22-1998)
Time Period:
Victorian era
Language:
English
Status:
DVD

Netflix FREE Trial

Rent as many movies as you want!