The Importance of Being Earnest

2002
U
1h 37m

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

25K

YOUR RATING

Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench, and Frances O'Connor in The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

Play trailer1:37

1 Video

99+ Photos

Farce Period Drama Comedy Drama Romance

In 1890s London, two friends use the same pseudonym ("Ernest") for their on-the-sly activities. Hilarity ensues.In 1890s London, two friends use the same pseudonym ("Ernest") for their on-the-sly activities. Hilarity ensues.In 1890s London, two friends use the same pseudonym ("Ernest") for their on-the-sly activities. Hilarity ensues.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

25K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 2 wins & 2 nominations

Trivia
Finty Williams (Young Lady Bracknell) is the daughter of Dame Judi Dench (older Lady Bracknell).

Goofs
Gwendolen is shown driving a car out to Jack's country house. However, later in dialog with Cecily taken from the original play, she mentions having taken the train out. Later, Lady Bracknell mentions them both returning by train, which would have left the car in the country.

Quotes
Algy: Bunbury? He was quite *exploded*.
Lady Bracknell: Exploded?
Algy: [pretending sadness] Mm.
Lady Bracknell: Was he the victim of some revolutionary outrage? I was not aware that Mr. Bunbury was interested in social legislation.
Algy: My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean he was *found out*. The doctors found out that Bunbury could not live - that is what I mean - so Bunbury died.
Lady Bracknell: He seems to have had great confidence in the opinion of his physicians.

Crazy credits
After the funeral for Bunbury, Colin Firth's Earnest is seen getting a tattoo of "Gwendolyn" on his posterior

Connections
Featured in Forever Ealing (2002)

Soundtracks
Lady Come Down
Music written by Charlie Mole
Lyrics by Oscar Wilde
Performed by Colin Firth and Rupert Everett
Courtesy of Fragile Music Ltd.

User reviews163

Review

Featured review

I loved it!

There do seem to be some scathing reviews here, but I have to say that I loved it!

I first started by reading the play, then watching the 1952 version, and then this latest reworking. The cast were absolutely stellar, though I'd go along with the criticism that they were just a little too deadpan in places. The sheer quantity of wit and wordplay in this script make it difficult to keep up, and it's often only in a reading that you realise that just about every other line is a hilarious gag.

I really can't understand an earlier criticism that a viewer couldn't make out any of the dialogue. I though it was wonderfully recorded with crystal clear diction throughout, but maybe that's an international difference. I'm lucky to make out about one third of anything the children say in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

Anyway - it was well filmed, great locations, and wonderful wit delivered by beautiful people. I loved it.