"An Ideal Husband" is a charming though contrived little 19th century English period comedy with the subtly sardonic sense of humor typical of Oscar Wilde. The film, which deals with the politics of society first, the politics of the heart second, and the politics of the state last, features all the trappings of the period, a solid cast, and a clever script. An amusing and enjoyable watch for those into 19th century English period films.

Based on the Oscar Wilde play, this remake of the 1947 film is apparently better, particularly with the choice of casting. The story revolves around political figure Sir Robert Chiltern (Enigma's Jeremy Northam) and his charming friend Lord Arthur Goring (Golden Globe nominated Rupert Everett). Chiltern's life with brilliant wife Lady Gertrude (Cate Blanchett) and support from sister Mabel (Minnie Driver) is perfect. But his and Arthur's lives are turned upside down by the arrival of old acquaintance Mrs. Laura Cheveley (Golden Globe nominated Julianne Moore) with blackmail in mind. It is an incriminating letter that Laura has to ruin the men's lives. Also starring John Wood as Lord Caversham, Lindsay Duncan as Lady Markby, Peter Vaughan as Phipps and The Living Daylights' Jeroen Krabbé as Baron Arnheim. The performances are good, and the visual part is good too, I admit I didn't pay full attention, maybe if I did I would rate it higher, but never mind. It was nominated the BAFTAs for Best Costume Design, Best Make Up/Hair and Best Adapted Screenplay. Good!

Jeremy Northam is "An Ideal Husband" who's about to get his clock cleaned by Julianne Moore in this gorgeous rendition of Oscar Wilde's play, also starring Rupert Everett, Cate Blanchett, and Minnie Driver.

Northam is Sir Robert Chiltern, happily married to his lovely and adoring wife, Lady Gertrude (Blanchett) and guardian to his unmarried sister Mabel (Driver). He is in Parliament and opposed to an Argentine canal project. Then he is visited by Mrs. Laura Cheveley (Moore) who tries to blackmail him into approving the project. She knows how he gained his wealth and position. If his wife finds out, she'll be devastated. In desperation, he turns to his bachelor friend Lord Arthur Goring (Everett) for help. Goring attempts to help, and for a while, it looks like he made things worse.

This witty comedy is given wonderful direction by Oliver Parker, and the production is sumptuous. The actors all underplay, letting the brilliance of the material come through. Especially funny is the scene where everyone is in a different room of Lord Goring's house, with no one aware that the other is present. Most times, you'd see a scene like this with the host a frazzled mess, running around, trying to keep everyone quiet and hidden. Here, Everett never changes his expression and is unflappable, making the situation funnier.

Highly recommended as the way a classic play should be filmed.