The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

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

Director:

Oliver Parker

Writers:

Oscar Wilde (play), Oliver Parker (screenplay)

Stars:

Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O'Connor

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rupert Everett	...	Algernon 'Algy' Moncrieff
Colin Firth	...	John 'Jack' Worthing
Frances O'Connor	...	Gwendolen Fairfax
Reese Witherspoon	...	Cecily Cardew
Judi Dench	...	Lady Augusta Bracknell
Tom Wilkinson	...	Dr. Frederick Chasuble
Anna Massey	...	Miss Laetitia Prism
Edward Fox	...	Lane, Algy's Butler
Patrick Godfrey	...	Merriman
Charles Kay	...	Gribsby
Cyril Shaps	...	Pew Opener
Marsha Fitzalan	...	Dowager
Finty Williams	...	Young Augusta Bracknell
Guy Bensley	...	Young Lord Bracknell
Christina Robert	...	Duchess of Devonshire

Storyline

Two young gentlemen living in 1890's England use the same pseudonym ("Ernest") on the sly, which is fine until they both fall in love with women using that name, which leads to a comedy of mistaken identities...

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Plot Keywords:

brother | love | mistaken identity | train | garden | 

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Taglines:

Everybody Loves Ernest... But Nobody's Quite Sure Who He Really Is.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild sensuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English German

Release Date:

6 September 2002 (UK)

Also Known As:

Ernst sein ist alles

Filming Locations:

Bluebell Railway, West Sussex, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$181,591 (Germany) (13 September 2002)

Gross:

£3,059,026 (UK) (11 October 2002)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Miramax Films, Ealing Studios, Film Council

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The scenes where Rupert Everett slaps Colin Firth on his rear end and where Everett kisses Firth's cheek were ad libs. Director Oliver Parker thought Firth's stunned reaction was so humorous he decided to leave them in.

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Goofs

When Gwendolyn holds a match to light Cecily's cigarette, the cigarette is lit already. Also, Gwendolyn's match flame does not come close enough to the end of Cecily's cigarette to light it.

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Quotes

Jack: Lady Bracknell, I hate to seem inquisitive, but would you kindly inform me who I am?

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Crazy Credits

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

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Connections

Version of The Importance of Being Earnest (1946)

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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 Reviews

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.