

Oscar Wilde is a married playwright who has occasionally indulged his weakness for male suitors. After much toil, Wilde debuts 'The Importance of Being Earnest' in London, and a chat at the theatre with Lord Alfred 'Bosie' Douglas leads to a full-fledged romance. However, this affair leads to a legal dispute with Lord Alfred's oppressive father, the Marquess of Queensberry, and, given the local anti-gay laws, Wilde is jailed. Wilde's vast intellect helps him survive until he regains his freedom.
Acting
Fry was born to play Wilde; Law is devastatingly toxic.
Costume
Velvet waistcoats and cravats so lush you can feel them.
Writing
Wilde's actual bon mots land like gut-punches.

Director
Brian Gilbert
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Stephen Fry is a distant relative of Oscar Wilde; he spent decades trying to make this film.
The 'love that dare not speak its name' speech was rarely depicted this explicitly in mainstream '90s cinema.