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The Importance Of Being Earnest [2002]
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DVD Technical Information: The Importance of Being Earnest is a comedy masterpiece set during the Victorian era. The film concerns a pair of flamboyant bachelors called Algy (Rupert Everett) and Jack (Colin Firth) who secretly lead double lives. Using aliases and false alibis, the pair woo respectable ladies by day and cavort in music halls at night. Through countless blunders and haphazard tomfoolery, it is only a matter of time before they are caught out by their own lies. Sparkling dialogue, razor-sharp wit and electric performances make The Importance of Being Earnest unforgettably funny, whilst the grandiose sets and fabulous period costumes add romance and charm. Reese Witherspoon is radiant as Cecily, an alluring English rose, and Judi Dench puts in a fantastic performance as Lady Bracknell. The Making of Importance of Being Earnest Behind the Scenes
RRP: £17.99
Our Price: £4.04 (subject to change)
Editorial
DVD Description
DVD Special Features:
Editorial
From the studio
Audio Commentary with Director
Editorial
Synopsis
In his second adaptation of an Oscar Wilde play, writer-director Oliver Parker (AN IDEAL HUSBAND) assembles a peerless cast to engage in this witty comedy of manners and mistaken identity. In 1890s London, rakish Algernon Montcrieff (Rupert Everett, who also starred in HUSBAND) runs into his friend, Jack Worthing (Colin Firth), who is in town to propose marriage to Algy's wildly romantic cousin, Gwendolen (Frances O'Connor). When returning a cigarette case to Jack, Algy reads the inscription, and discovers his friend has two secrets. Jack has created a devilish younger brother/alter ego called "Ernest" to hide his own misdeeds, and has a beautiful young ward named Cecily (Reese Witherspoon), whom he wants to keep clear of the roguish Algy. While Jack deals with the large obstacle standing between him and Gwendolen--namely, her mother, the imposing Lady Bracknell (a wonderfully imperious Judi Dench)--Algy devises a way to meet Cecily. The confusion and hilarity come to a peak when Algy arrives at Jack's country manor posing as Ernest in order to woo Cecily, and Gwendolen runs away to the country to be with Jack--whom she knows as Ernest. The stellar cast and Wilde's clever words make for genuine entertainment.
Very light-hearted and some laugh out loud moments.
Review date: 2007-04-17 Rating: 8 out of 10
A nice change from the usual heaviness of period drama's, I really enjoyed this.
Very light-hearted and some laugh out loud moments. Colin Firth and Rupert Everett work well together and form a funny double act.
I was surprised that I actually liked Reece Witherspoon in this as I usually find her a bit irritating.
Another great performance from Judi Dench, what period drama is complete without her!
Definately worth a watch.
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Reviews
Brilliant
Review date: 2006-09-11 Rating: 10 out of 10
I was not looking forward to this when it arrived. But wow! What a brilliant, clever, funny movie it is. I have never seen the play in theatre, but as a film it works wonderfully.
Reese Witherspoon is a revelation. I would defy anyone not to believe she is the quintessential English rose after watching this.
Bit different, but brilliant.
Rent it!
An entertaining romp faithful to Wilde's play
Review date: 2006-07-31 Rating: 8 out of 10
Merchant-Ivory-ish type period comedy starring Rupert Everett and Colin Firth as two young scoundrels who invent alter-egos to give them separate identities in London and the country.
The Importance Of Being Earnest is faithful to Oscar Wilde's intricate comic play of class and etiquette. It features Judi Dench, Anna Massey and others doyens of British acting and is a whimsical, entertaining romp. Not a classic but well worth seeing.
Excellent adaptation
Review date: 2006-07-05 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is a brilliant, witty satire of the superficiality of Victorian society, presented with a great deal of irony and humour. I bought the film with some hesitation, wondering what Reese Witherspoon is doing in a film the essence of which is Englishness - but she is perfect for the role of Cecily. Her accent is faultless, her mannerisms immaculate, and I can't imagine anyone else playing her obsession with pre-Raphaelite daydreams and diary entries with so much grace and innocence. The Rupert Everett - Colin Firth duet Lady Come Down is unforgettable (they actually DO sing it!), while Judi Dench as formidable Aunt Augusta delivers a stunning performance. I watched this film because of my interest in Oscar Wilde, but have made all my friends watch it since, and everyone loves it, so I am sure that even if you are not a big fan of adaptations of classics you will still thoroughly enjoy this one.
Simply brilliant
Review date: 2006-04-23 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is a first-rate adaptation of this well-known Oscar Wilde play. All the leading roles are perfectly filled (well done to Reece Witherspoon - a much more convincing and less forced English accent that Rene Zellweger in Bridget Jones) and the comedy is never over played.
It is easy to forget how many timeless and well-known phrases have come from this one play, and hard to think that something written during Queen Victoria's reign can still be meaningfully funny in the 21st century!
Highly recommended!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Frances O'Connor (II)
Colin Firth
Rupert Everett
Reese Witherspoon
Judi Dench
Creators:
Rupert Everett (Primary Contributor)
Colin Firth (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
EAN: 5017188887847
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2003-07-21
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2002-09-12
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)