The movie is an interesting look at Wilde's life, particularly his discovery of his homosexuality -- his actual literary accomplishments are given short shrift, usually mentioned awkwardly in expository dialogue -- and quite well-done, with excellent performances all around from a group of British actors with astonishingly soulful and expressive faces. Stephen Fry is very good as Wilde; Jennifer Ehle, the new Helena Bonham Carter, is radiant as Wilde's unbelievably -- and undeservedly -- devoted wife (though she's the only one in the movie who seems to age as the film progresses -- what is she, the picture of Dorian Gray?); and Jude Law, building on his career playing self-obsessed, unscrupulous gay hustlers (see Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, or rather, don't see it -- take my word for it, he plays a self-obsessed, unscrupulous gay hustler), brings enough shading to his unsympathetic role as Wilde's spoiled lover (and, ultimately, betrayer) that it's hard to hate him completely.
Also, you get to see some ass, but unfortunately it's pasty, flabby, British ass. What, they don't have Stairmasters in England? (I'm not saying British ass is per se bad; I just don't need to see it on a big screen. I mean, it's not like it's Mulder ass or anything.)
I recommend the movie, but with some reservations, mainly that, for a film driven by dialogue, the script is pretty weak. Still, it's a revealing look at an interesting man. And hell, the quips ARE pretty funny.
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