UK

Synopsis

Sir Robert Chiltern is a man who has everything. A brilliant politician and a perfect gentleman, he is the ideal husband for the captivating Lady Chiltern. Admired by all, they present an exquisite picture of wedded harmony. But when the scheming and seductive Mrs Cheveley threatens to reveal a dark secret from Chiltern's past, the very foundations of his prized career and marriage look set to crumble. Cornered, he turns to his life long friend, Lord Arthur Goring.

Famed all over town for his dazzling wit and cultivated misbehaviour, Goring soon finds himself caught up in a tangled web of lies, temptations, and secret liaisons. Yet while he excels at the affairs of others, his own are to prove more challenging. The persistent charms of Mabel Chiltern, Sir Robert's sister, are becoming an increasing threat to his cherished bachelorhood. She's a match for him if ever there was one ...

Romantic, funny and moving, AN IDEAL HUSBAND delivers political intrigue and sparkling wit, and summons a picture of a society confronting issues as prevalent in our own society as they were 100 years ago ...


Director's Biography

Director and Screenwriter Oliver Parker has worked extensively as an actor and theatre director.

In 1995, Oliver directed his adaptation of OTHELLO starring Laurence Fishburn, Irene Jacob and Kenneth Branagh for Castle Entertainment.

In 1994, Oliver wrote, directed and acted alongside his brother Nathaniel Parker in his first short film UNSIGNED, which was featured at the London Film Festival that year. In 1995, he made two short films: A LITTLE LOVING starring Helena Bonham Carter and THE SHORT CUT.

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Cast & Crew

Directed by: Oliver Parker

Written by: Oliver Parker

Produced by: Barnaby Thompson, Uri Fruchtmann, Bruce Davey

Cinematography: David Johnson

Editing: Guy Bensley

Production Design: Michael Howells

Costume Design: Caroline Harris

Make-Up & Hair: Peter King

Original Score: Charlie Mole

Cast: Rupert Everett (Lord Arthur Goring), Cate Blanchett (Lady Chiltern), Julianne Moore (Mrs Cheveley), Minnie Driver (Mabel Chiltern), Jeremy Northam (Sir Robert Chiltern)

Nominations and Awards

  • European Actor 1999
  • Feature Film Selection 1999