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Wilde (UK)

By Golu
Oscar Wilde, as we all know is one of the most famous playwrights in the history. Wilde's personal tragedy would be of little lasting interest were it not for the enduring popularity of his work and the sensational nature of his fall. I had reviewed another biopic addressing similar story line of Oscar Wilde's life. Finally I got a chance to watch this film that came back in 1997 and starring some of the very big names of today's cinema.

The film starts with Wilde's return from his trip to US. Soon he gets married to Constance and they have two sons in quick succession. While their second child is still an infant, the couple hosts a young Canadian named Robbie Ross who seduces Wilde and helps him come to terms with his homosexuality. And soon after Oscar meets Lord Alfred also known as Bosie, played by Jude Law, and is immediately drawn towards him. The two fall into a passionate and tempestuous relationship. Sadly, Bosie doesn't believe in monogamy and constantly engages in sexual activities with other boys including rent boys. During all this time, his friend Robbie is always by his side, but Wilde is madly in love with Bosie despite his erratic behavior and disrespect to Wilde. Bosie's father, the Marquess of Queensberry, objects to his son's relationship with Wilde and demeans the playwright and eventually publicly exposes his homosexuality. Wilde is tried for gross indecency and sent to prison for 2 years and hard labour. His wife leaves him and moves to Germany for their kids sake. Wilde is released from prison and goes straight into exile to continental Europe.

I think when it came out, this film would have been a honest depiction of Oscar Wilde's life. A man torn between love for family, something accepted by society vs love for a man, something that eventually leads him to prison. We see his charm and conviction when creating his plays or amusing friends, we also see his weaker side and why he was the cause of his own eventual arrest and imprisonment. In contrast, Bosie or Lord Alfred's character. is a bit volatile. Jude Law, my once upon a time favourite actor, who plays Bosie, plays his part almost to perfection. He could be needy and tender, but he could also be a first-class ass and manipulator with an explosive temper. And that makes you question why would Wilde go for someone like him and not for a more suited man like Robbie. I mean eventually he says in the court that its all about youth. The acting, direction and everything is quite commendable and deserves a viewing.

A solid biopic, with fine performances. Watching this has expanded my appreciation for Wilde as a writer and as a person. I just wish that this was not an almost 2 hour film. (7/10)
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