Although the movie is named after the main character, Jude Law steals the show from Stephen Fry who plays the part with a nauseating understated, deadpan sincerity. I'm usually not a big fan of overacting but this is Oscar Wilde, a man infamous for his flamboyant personality and sparkling bon mots. "Do you want to know the great tragedy of my life?" he once said to Andre Gide. "I have put my genius into my life and only my talent into my works." Given the enormous stature of the latter, one can only imagine the immense flair and charm of the former. Unfortunately, Wilde's "genius" and larger than life personality which made him the toast of salon society where ever he went has gone AWOL in this film and in this void the viewer is left constantly wondering why all these gorgeous young men are love sick over him.
However, there is no wondering why Wilde, at the height of his career and fame, would risk it all by falling for Bosie and suing Bosie's father for libel as played by the stunning Jude Law. I'm a big fan of Jude Law and he can play a "homme fatale" like no one else. In a way, Bosie is similar to Dickie Greenleaf but Bosie is more childish and petulant than innately cruel and Jude plays him pitch perfect.
The other major fault of this film other than Stephen Fry's lackluster performance, is the trial itself. I simply can not forgive the director for leaving out the best line in the real court transcript. "I think people should be allowed to do what they want, as long as they don't do it in the street and frighten the horses." Surprisingly, it was not uttered by Wilde but by the cleaning lady. Overall the film has a great supporting cast and kept my interest so I would recommend it.
However, there is no wondering why Wilde, at the height of his career and fame, would risk it all by falling for Bosie and suing Bosie's father for libel as played by the stunning Jude Law. I'm a big fan of Jude Law and he can play a "homme fatale" like no one else. In a way, Bosie is similar to Dickie Greenleaf but Bosie is more childish and petulant than innately cruel and Jude plays him pitch perfect.
The other major fault of this film other than Stephen Fry's lackluster performance, is the trial itself. I simply can not forgive the director for leaving out the best line in the real court transcript. "I think people should be allowed to do what they want, as long as they don't do it in the street and frighten the horses." Surprisingly, it was not uttered by Wilde but by the cleaning lady. Overall the film has a great supporting cast and kept my interest so I would recommend it.