The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Oliver Parker

Writers:

Oscar Wilde (play)
Oliver Parker (screenplay)

Release Date:

4 July 2002 (Australia)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Everybody Loves Ernest... But Nobody's Quite Sure Who He Really Is.

Plot:

In 1890s London, two friends use the same pseudonym ("Ernest") for their on-the-sly activities. Hilarity ensues.

Plot Keywords:

Brother | Love | Mistaken Identity | Guitar | Flashback

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Rupert Everett	...	Algernon 'Algy' Moncrieff
Colin Firth	...	John 'Jack' Worthing
Frances O'Connor	...	Gwendolen Fairfax
Reese Witherspoon	...	Cecily Cardew
Judi Dench	...	Lady Augusta Bracknell
Tom Wilkinson	...	Dr. Frederick Chasuble
Anna Massey	...	Miss Laetitia Prism
Edward Fox	...	Lane, Algy's Butler
Patrick Godfrey	...	Merriman
Charles Kay	...	Gribsby
Cyril Shaps	...	Pew Opener
Marsha Fitzalan	...	Dowager
Finty Williams	...	Young Augusta Bracknell
Guy Bensley	...	Young Lord Bracknell
Christina Robert	...	Duchess of Devonshire

MPAA:

Rated PG for mild sensuality.

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | Malaysia:U | Australia:G | France:U | Germany:o.Al. | Singapore:PG | Sweden:7 | Switzerland:14 (canton of the Grisons) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | UK:U | USA:PG | Canada:PG

Filming Locations:

Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company:

Miramax Films

Trivia:

The scenes where Rupert Everett slaps Colin Firth on his rear end and where Everett kisses Firth's cheek were ad libs. Director Oliver Parker thought Firth's stunned reaction was so humorous he decided to leave them in.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: Jack's plaid tie was trademarked by Burberry in 1924.

Quotes:

Cecily, Gwendolyn: [speaking together] Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier! That is all.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Holiday (2006)

Soundtrack:

Lady Come Down

A treat indeed!

It is a rare treat when you go to the movies expecting not very much but walking away with so much more! After reading the reviews here as well as some professional reviews, I almost decided to pass this one by and what a pity it would have been. Sounds like my unfamiliarity with Wilde's play and the previous version of this movie was to my advantage. After all I could view this movie based on its own merits without any other comparisons getting in the way. What a glorious summer treat and a wonderfully fun vehicle to discover Oscar Wilde's hilarious play and for that matter Wilde in general. Couldn't have asked for a better audience to watch this with here in the South. They were enthusiastic, obviously familiar with Wilde, remained for the credits, and clapped at the end. Can't remember the last time that happened,can you? Again, what a lovely surprise this movie was with absolutely marvelous chemistry between Mr. Firth and Mr. Everett, a sweet supporting cast, not to mention the beautiful production values. After seeing the movie, I almost immediately hunted for the text of the play and read it straight through.