I'd heard a lot about Wilde before I went to see it. In particular, how much Mr. Fry had wanted to be involved in this movie. Like most people, I knew the basic story of Wilde and his time in prison and I'd read a few of his plays, but nothing beyond that. Would this movie provide the insights into this haunted yet talented man?

Wilde is very close to a triumph. Mr. Fry is indeed superb in the lead role. He is charming, he is funny: it's easy to see why people are attracted to him. He is also an outsider being Irish. Whilst people love his plays and find him a very charming man in society, he's never really part of society. This makes his downfall, when it comes, all the easier to effect since he's not really one of them: he has very few strong allies.

Mr. Law as Bosie is also outstanding. He plays a horrible character, a complete narcissus, yet a charming one. As an audience member, I sat horrified as Wilde kept going back to Bosie. Both Wilde and the audience know that this is a doomed affair, but the attraction of this gorgeous, petulant man proves to be too much.

Much is made of Bosie's tumultuous relationship with his father, the Marquess of Queenberry (Mr. Wilkinson), and this strengthens the relationship between Bosie and Wilde. It's as if Wilde feels the need to be his protector, and for any person, there's something wonderful about being needed so desperately in a relationship: Wilde must be the strong hero and save Bosie from his evil father. As well as this, the movie shows Wilde's relationship with his wife (Ms. Ehle) and some friends (Mr. Sheen, Ms. Parfitt). Everyone in this movie is brilliant; there are no weak performances.

Similarly, everything looks and feels authentic. Perhaps the opening scene in the US was a bit wild west but the rest transported the audience to 19th century England.

Unreserved praise then? Well, no. Wilde has its flaws. Its major one is that of trying to make Oscar Wilde too much of a hero. The actions which lead to his downfall are really very stupid, there is nothing noble or heroic about them. The movie motivates these actions well but then tries to paint Wilde as the martyr. He is shown as a brave, righteous man fighting for his rights rather than a flawed man, desperately needing Bosie's approval. The problem is that real life doesn't always have a neat plot line and the makers of Wilde, in trying to make him a hero, stumble up against the problems of reality: such a clever man and such a stupid decision.

In answer to my opening question, this movie does provide some insights in to the life of Oscar Wilde. It presents the pieces of Wilde's life magnificently and shows some of his motivation. From such a great premise, it falls down on the conclusion, making Wilde nobler than perhaps he deserves.

Rating: D