The most recent version of the movie The Importance of Being Earnest (2002) is a vivid film adaptation of the work of the great English writer Oscar Wilde. The film turned out to be interesting and funny, and the cast is excellent. Charming Colin Firth looks convincing as Jack, and Rupert Everett perfectly plays the inimitable Algernon. Famous Reese Witherspoon and pretty Frances O’Connor perfectly correspond to their female roles (The Importance of Being Earnest). It is difficult to imagine a more strict lady Bracknell than the one who is superbly played by Judi Dench.
The actors of the film are at their best, and it becomes obvious when looking at the list of the leading roles. All of them are quite famous, but I can note that in the place of most of the characters, I could also imagine other actors, for example, Hugh Laurie of the times of Jeeves and Wooster as Algernon (Rizzi 10). However, no one will ever replace Judi Dench as Lady Bracknell. This is exactly what a prim, serious, and moderately severe elderly English lady should be in my understanding and perception. This is exactly the embodiment of the image that has been looming in my head for years.
A close-up shot with Judy Dench, when she arrogantly talks with John and Cecilia at their home, is one of the most demonstrative scenes. She speaks arrogantly and by her tone, she seems to be a giantess (Dix 24). However, the next shot from a distance depicts a small woman in a heap of clothes and a huge hat. Now she seems insignificant without this external gloss and shine. The more demanding she is about choosing a future son-in-law, the funnier it is to learn about her origin. I don’t know if the filmmakers counted on the sharp contrast of these two scenes, but I got the impression that they did it deliberately. Moreover, the necessary farce is given to the film by the constantly sounding playful music, the manner of shooting, as well as rich and suddenly replacing scenes.
The 2002 version of The Importance of Being Earnest is an excellent adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s play about two friends who introduce themselves by the same fictitious name intending to meet the ladies’ expectations. If in the play frivolity lies in dialogues filled with subtle English humor, then in Oliver Parker’s film attention is paid to the frivolity of the action. As a result, we get a great film that accurately and subtly conveys Wilde’s spirit. This is exactly how, in my opinion, the classic should be filmed.
Works Cited
Dix, Andrew. “Film and Narrative.” Beginning Film Studies (2nd edition). Manchester University Press, 2020.
The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Oliver Parker, performances by Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O’Connor, Reese Witherspoon, and Judi Dench, Ealing Studios, 2002.
Rizzi, Veronica. The Importance of Being Earnest on Stage and Screen. An analysis of the last Oscar Wilde’s play. BS thesis. Università Ca’Foscari Venezia, 2019.