Watch Wilde Salome

Wilde Salome is a biographical film about the playwright and poet Oscar Wilde, directed by Al Pacino with himself portraying the role of Wilde. The film also features Jessica Chastain as Salome and Kevin Anderson as John the Baptist. The story revolves around the creation and staging of Wilde's play Salome, which is based on the Biblical story of the beheading of John the Baptist. The film is highly stylized and uses a combination of theatrical performance, cinema, and voiceovers to tell the story of Wilde's life and the creation of the play.

The film opens with a quote from Wilde, which sets the tone for the rest of the film: "The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death". The quote is followed by a sequence of shots of actresses and actors getting ready backstage, intercut with Wilde's life story. Wilde's story is told through interviews with various people, including Wilde's friend and lover Lord Alfred Douglas, played by Anderson.

The film then moves to the creation of the play Salome, with Pacino portraying Wilde working on the script and rehearsing with the actors. Chastain plays the eponymous character, Salome, who is infatuated with John the Baptist, played by Mueller-Stahl. As the film progresses, the story of Salome and Wilde's life become intertwined, and it becomes clear that the two are connected.

The film uses a stylized approach to its storytelling, with dramatic lighting and long takes. The performances from the cast are stellar, with Pacino's portrayal of Wilde being a standout. He captures Wilde's wit and charm perfectly, while at the same time showing the pain and heartbreak that Wilde experienced throughout his life.

Chastain is also excellent as Salome, bringing a sense of sensuality and danger to the role. The scenes between Chastain and Mueller-Stahl as John the Baptist are particularly mesmerizing, with the two actors creating a palpable tension between their characters.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it blends different forms of storytelling. There are moments where the film feels like a stage play, with actors reciting lines directly into the camera. At other times, the film uses more traditional cinematic techniques, such as close-ups and tracking shots. This blend of styles creates a unique and engaging viewing experience that keeps the audience on their toes.

Overall, Wilde Salome is a mesmerizing and highly stylized film that explores the life of Oscar Wilde and the creation of his play Salome. With excellent performances from Pacino, Chastain, and Anderson, the film is a must-see for fans of Wilde's work, as well as those who appreciate innovative and unique storytelling.

Wilde Salome is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 65.