The Importance of Being Earnest [DVD]

This classic "stage play" made into a movie is a lot of laughs. The all-star cast playing their tongue-in-cheek roles is perfect. If you don't like English humor then pass but this is a classic story. OK, that is as Earnest as I can be.

For being a motion picture production directed toward a large audience (rather than aficionados of British Literature), I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the screenplay and the loyalty to Oscar Wilde's intent. It is true that some changes were made [see below], but as a whole, the film resembled the play quite well.Colin Firth (A&E's Pride and Prejudice) and Judi Dench (Cranford) both were quite enjoyable to watch in their roles of Algernon and Lady Bracknell. Rupert Everett and Reese Witherspoon (Miramax's Vanity Fair) additionally performed well in their respective roles.I did experience 2 instances where the DVD skipped. The first instance was just after the butler says, "I didn't think it polite to listen." However, the skip was only a few seconds. The second instance where the film skipped was about 2 minutes later for diration of what appeared to be a few frames. Therefore, the skipping was minimal but still something to consider. [PS: I am not certain whether the skipping signifies an inferiority in the DVD itself or if it denotes some problems in the transfer to DVD. If the later is the problem, than hopefully, the DVD will not become worse after I play the DVD numerous times.]For individuals very interested in (or obsessed with) Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," I have listed below a few aspects about the film which I disliked:1.At 97 minutes, a large amount of dialogue is cut from the production. While the film attempts to keep most memorable lines, the changes and omissions might disconcert a passionate fan of Oscar Wilde because they do mitigate the wit of the original play.2.The setting and pace are changed for quite a large number of scenes. Some of the changes in setting, I believe, enhances the film. Other changes, however, detract. Additionally, by creating a greater visual focus, ever fewer words are spoken, and they even more slowly than in any other adaptation of which I am acquainted. Therefore, the film becomes boring at times, when the quick repartees are not quite so quick as they should be.3.A few elements of the plot are changed from the play, although I suppose one could argue that they are possible conclusions that might be read into the play. For example, in this film adaptation, Lady Bracknell is portrayed as an actress who becomes pregnant with Lord Bracknell's child before the couple's marriage (i.e. that the pregnancy is the impetus for the marriage). Also, in this film adaptation, John Worthing's real name turns out to be John Moncrieff, with John pretending that it is 'Ernest.' I didn't find these changes particularly humorous.In conclusion, while I DO RECOMMEND this 2002 film adaptation, I personally prefer the following made for TV adaptations, which follow the original play more closely:- the 114 minute Consolidated Productions adaptation with Wendy Hiller as Lady Bracknell [view on YouTube]- the 110 minute BBC 1986 adaptation with Joan Plowright as Lady Bracknell

Imagine the challenge of tackling adapting a near perfect play for the screen, one known and adored across the world as the pinnacle of comedy. Oliver Parker undertook such a challenge in making "The Importance of Being Earnest" into cinematic fare, and the end result is, a new view of brilliance!Starring Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Dame Judi Dench, and Reese Witherspoon, Earnest spins the tale of comical deceit of two friends, Jack and Algernon. Each conspire through the film to woo girls of their choosing by nearly any means possible. The end result is reminiscient of some of Shakespeare's best comedies, one of implausibilities that are so absurb that you believe them all of the more. Perhaps Wilde, in his genuis of paradox, intended for that to happen all along.Parker's adaptation of the play is brilliant in its own right. Taking much from the source text, and translating it to a visual medium, such as film, must have been quite daunting. Parker succeeded quite well, creating a film that doesn't ever work to subsume the originial, but complement it in its own unique way. I think perhaps that Wilde would love this adaptation himself!The acting in this film is superb. First, how can anyone go wrong with Firth, Everett, Witherspoon, and the incomperable Dench, who seethes with her role with an intensity that only she can muster. They handle the comedy with aplomb and naturalness; it sparkles delightful. Reese Witherspoon pulls off her English accent quite well, playing Cicely as young and delightful as she is.Another aspect of this film that is remarkable is the soundtrack. Normally, a soundtrack blends in to accompany the larger piece. In this movie, the soundtrack stands out as a wild, fun accourement to the film. I quite enjoyed the jazzy feel to it, and the scene where Algy and Jack serenade the girls is so bubbly fun that it inspires intense hilarity. I just purchased the soundtrack and look forward it its many hours playing on my computer.The Importance of Being Earnest may be a forgotten gem, but once you unearth it, it sparkles like nothing you've seen on your screen in months. I highly recommend you purchasing this movie for your collection, and you may surprise yourself upon how much you actually watch this jewel yourself!

A jolly romp with Oscar Wilde's incomparable lines, this screen version of The Importance Of Being Earnest manages to undercut all seriousness with its brilliant cast who bring out its complete strangeness and original tone. There is not a weak link in terms of casting, with everyone making their part completely their own. Rupert Everett and Colin Firth play off each other particularly brilliantly, but the two girls are hardly less good, while Judi Dench and Anna Massey in the older female roles are extraordinary. Each of these pairs seems to bring together contrasting physical and personality types. Judi Dench is riveting in every remark the character makes, and a lot of them are classics. The film doesn't quite find a visual language to match the writing, but it is an impossible task, and hence taking a star off would seem churlish. The director Oliver Parker has gone for something very English in look, and essentially allowed the actors to do their stuff with a minimum of trickery in the cinematography, although small openings-out - like Cecily's fantasy of Ernest approaching on horseback in shining armour - are added to at least give some sense that the medium is being tapped into wherever possible.

Oliver Parker wrote the screenplay and directed this rather lovely adaption of Oscar Wilde's most popular play. It's his second adaption of Wilde after the also very enjoyable 'An Ideal Husband' and, like his previous film, features Rupert Everett as one of the leads.The entire film is well cast with Everett as Algernon, Colin Firth as Jack/Earnest, Judi Dench as the redoubtable Lady Bracknell, Reese Witherspoon who works surprisingly well as Cecily, Felicity Jones as Gwendolen, and Anna Massey and Tom Wilkonson rounding out the cast as Miss Prism and the Reverend Mr. Chasuble. And while they all turn in delightfully OTT performances which are perfectly in keeping with the piece and the beautiful and equally OTT sets and costumes, Rupert Everett does steal the show as Algernon. The scenes between him and Colin Firth are just too delicious for words.The DVD has English subtitles for those who need them and includes the following extra features: - Audio Commentary with Director - The Making of 'Importance of Being Earnest' featurette - Behind the Scenes

A very well presented version of Oscar Wilde's famous play. Both Colin Firth and Rupert Everett are excellent actors, bring out all of Oscar Wilde's endless humour. Judy Dench is up to her usual high and imposing standards.The only negative point I will make is the totally unnecessary and out of place, given the period of the play, is the two young women smoking all the time.On the whole a very enjoyable film, highly recommended.

A wonderful play re-imagined for film in a really exciting and inventive way. It retains much of the text, and all of the quirky charm of the play. It is lively, happy and carefree. Rupert Everett is superb . Colin Firth wonderful as always. Judi Dench works hard and the prudish miss Prism is played by Anna Massey with understated characterful comic élan. The big female stars try very hard and succeed in winning over the men. A ROMP!The odd re-write and omission, together with scenes transposed and distributed between settings, may disturb those who know the play well, but as a film it is a pleasure.

Firstly, Great Amazon service as usual. Great product delivered next day.DVD itself:Oscar Wilde at his best and a really great cast make this (in my opinion) the best version of this play that has been filmed several times.So, you think Oscar Wilde is 100 years old and old fashioned??Forget that !This play stands up today as well as the day it was written, even though times have changed.The humour is crisp and intelligent with a bit of slapstick thrown in for good measure.I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good comedy excellently done ....AND, not a swear word in sight.I can't recommend this too much !Buy it now and enjoy a couple of hours of easy to watch, great entertainment.