Hey folks Harry here, and I'm gonna present Light House Shines, who seems to be able to get into just about everything! But here... Well this is a film that's gonna be opening today in selected theaters, so read up... it might be a film you want to see tonight...
An Ideal Husband Review:
Unfortunately not everyone will be able to fully appreciate the subtle
charm, humor and wit of An Ideal Husband. Simply because the film
is a period piece, and sadly most Americans really do not like such films.
Even less so if they happen to revolve around proper British high
society, as that is considered to be a mere step above a film with
subtitles for the majority of people. Which truly is a shame, for An
Ideal Husband is actually one of Oscar Wilde's more endearing plays
adapted to film. If not the more watchable, for some of his previous work
really is not that great. But that matter's not in this case, since this
film adaptation was actually very well done and very pleasing to the eye.
Particularly for me as I have always had a semi perverse thing for
the Victorian era, although I think I may have the precise time frame of
this film slightly off. Still, everything in the film from the clothing,
the backgrounds, the lighting and actors, were simply breathtaking. Though
that is more in an aesthetic sense, rather than a literal one.
Since An Ideal Husband is not a perfect film per se, just a very
lush and beautiful one. Specifically in terms of the tremendously talented
cast, like the always lovely Julianne Moore and Rupert Everett (
Who will always be a sexy bastard regardless of his sexuality). Playing a
pair of former lovers and apparent would be con artists, reunited years
later by chance. When Julianne's character, Mrs. Laura Cheveley attempts
to blackmail Sir Robert Chiltern (Jeremy Northam) into supporting a
fraudulent development bill that would make her millions. Yet
surreptitiously bankrupt and politically destroy all the respective
investors and supporters behind the bill (Some sort of aqua duct scam). A
fiendishly evil ploy Everett/Lord Arthur Goring is determined to
avert no matter the cost, due to his being best friends with Sir Robert
Chiltern. As well as a previous romantic prospect of his current wife,
Lady Gertrud Chiltern, amicably played by an always different looking Cate
Blanchett.
Various little plot details which play a heavy part in the confusion that
eventually ensues, when Mrs. Cheveley becomes dissatisfied with only
blackmailing Sir Chiltern. And wholeheartedly decides to go after her
former lover as well, suggesting that she would leave Sir Chiltern alone
if only Lord Goring would agree to marry her. A prospect that the life
long bachelor Goring, finds far less than ideal. Simply
because he has slowly come to realize, despite all his attempts to the
contrary. That he has hopelessly fallen in love with Mebel Chiltern, the
younger cousin of Lady Gertrud Chiltern. Played by fame obsessed and
celebrity boyfriend stalker Minnie Driver, who surprised me at being so
darn likable throughout the film (You really should read about some of the
pathetic things she has done to stay in the lime light, especially while
still dating Matt Damon).
The shear bulk of which makes for a highly entertaining, if not somewhat
convoluted film going experience. For this film was truly unique compared
to most mainstream films out nowadays, which I personally found very
refreshing. More so considering that this film actually had a character
driven plot, and some really witty dialogue intermixed. Particularly
between Rupert's character and that of his disapproving father, both of
whom were responsible for some of the film's brighter moments. Plus it is
always a pleasure to see the super talented Julianne Moore in anything,
though I really enjoyed her role in this film. As an evil manipulative
vixen, by far one of my favorite performances to date. Just one of the
many reasons why I personally believe this marvelous film, is well worth
the time and effort to seek it out. Especially since it will sadly only
open in limited release, as well as play mainly in art house theatres
across the U.S. So go out and see it while you can, otherwise you will
have to wait and see it on video. As such films as this one should really
be seen on the big screen, in all their glory.
As always, if you have any questions or comments about anything I have
just said or written about. Please feel to email me at
lighthouseshines@hotmail.com.
Especially if you have a complaint, as many of you seemingly do! And
someone will gladly get back to you, thanks!
Sincerely,
Light House Shines
