Watch An Ideal Husband

An Ideal Husband is a 1999 movie based on the play by Oscar Wilde. Set in late Victorian London, the film follows the story of a politician named Sir Robert Chiltern (played by Jeremy Northam), who has a seemingly perfect life. He is wealthy, respected, and has a loving wife named Lady Gertrude (played by Cate Blanchett). However, his world is about to come crashing down when an old acquaintance named Mrs. Cheveley (played by Julianne Moore) arrives in town and threatens to expose a dark secret from his past.

Mrs. Cheveley blackmails Sir Robert into supporting a fraudulent scheme in the House of Commons, threatening to reveal a secret document that would ruin his reputation and political career. The story unfolds as Sir Robert must choose between upholding his principles and protecting his secrets, all while trying to maintain his reputation as an ideal husband and public servant.

As the plot thickens, we are introduced to a cast of intricate characters, each with their own motivations and desires. Lady Gertrude, for instance, is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her own beliefs. Meanwhile, Sir Robert's close friend Lord Goring (played by Rupert Everett) becomes involved in the story, adding a touch of humor and wit to the proceedings.

The film is a stunning adaptation of Wilde's play, brilliantly written and directed by Oliver Parker. The dialogue is witty and sharp, filled with Wilde's trademark social and sexual commentary. The costumes and production design are exquisite, capturing the elegance and decadence of late 19th-century London.

The cast is superb, with Northam, Moore, Blanchett, and Everett all delivering wonderful performances. Northam in particular shines as Sir Robert, conveying the character's inner turmoil and sense of duty with great subtlety and nuance. Moore is also excellent as the scheming Mrs. Cheveley, creating a character who is both seductive and ruthless.

The film does a great job of exploring themes like loyalty, honesty, and the nature of public and private life. It raises important questions about the role of integrity in politics, while also exploring the complexities of human relationships. The story may be set in the past, but its themes are timeless and universal.

Overall, An Ideal Husband is a must-see movie for fans of Oscar Wilde, period dramas, and thought-provoking cinema in general. It is a beautiful, intelligent, and entertaining film that offers a glimpse into a fascinating world of politics, romance, and intrigue.