An Ideal Husband

Sir Robert Chiltern is a respected government minister and a devoted husband whose calm confidence masks a private moral dilemma. When Mrs Cheveley arrives in London with evidence from a youthful indiscretion that could ruin him, his world suddenly feels fragile. He seeks counsel from his close friend Lord Arthur Goring, a stylish and seemingly carefree bachelor who nevertheless takes the threat seriously. Goring knows Cheveley and understands the stakes, both personal and political, and he stirs the conversation with wit and candor. The film lays bare how reputations are built on appearances, and how a tempting secret can expose the fragile line between virtue and ambition. Its humor lands cleanly and its moral questions linger after the credits tonight.

Directed by Oliver Parker this 1999 adaptation translates Oscar Wilde's sparkling stage drama to screen with a glossy period look and a star led by Cate Blanchett as Lady Chiltern and Julianne Moore as Mrs Cheveley, supported by Rupert Everett.

The production cost about 14 million dollars and earned roughly 18.5 million worldwide, reflecting a modest return for a polished period drama with strong critical appeal in the UK and Europe, attracting fans of literary adaptations and worldwide audiences globally.

The film stands as a stylish Victorian era drama that preserves Wilde's social satire on the big screen. Blanchett's Lady Chiltern and Moore's Mrs Cheveley deliver striking counterpoints, while the elegant production design and period costumes keep Wilde's wit accessible to late 90s audiences, and flair.

Critics praised its polished stage friendly adaptation that centers on honest appearances versus hidden flaws. The film probes themes of integrity, power, and personal sacrifice, balancing humor with moral stakes in a way that aligns Wilde's sensibilities with contemporary cinema, and reviewers noted its brisk tempo and witty exchanges today.