A Good Woman (2004)

While retaining her secret identity, the illustrious Mrs. Erlynne (Hunt) saves Lady Windemere (Johansson) from making a grand social faux-pas with the scoundrelly Lord Darlington (Moore).

Director:

Mike Barker

Writers:

Oscar Wilde (play), Howard Himelstein (screenplay)

Stars:

Helen Hunt, Scarlett Johansson, Milena Vukotic

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Helen Hunt	...	Mrs. Erlynne
Scarlett Johansson	...	Meg Windermere
Milena Vukotic	...	Contessa Lucchino
Stephen Campbell Moore	...	Lord Darlington
Mark Umbers	...	Robert Windemere
Roger Hammond	...	Cecil
John Standing	...	Dumby
Tom Wilkinson	...	Tuppy
Giorgia Massetti	...	Alessandra
Diana Hardcastle	...	Lady Plymdale
Shara Orano	...	Francesca
Jane How	...	Mrs. Stutfield
Bruce McGuire	...	Waiter Joe
Michael Stromme	...	Hotel Desk Clerk
Antonio Barbaro	...	Paulo

Storyline

In 1930, Mrs. Erlynne, who describes herself as poor and infamous, driven from New York society by jealous wives, sees a news photo of wealthy Lord Windermere and his young wife: she heads for the Amalfi Coast to be among the rich and famous for 'the season' and to snare Mr. Windermere. Gossips twitter as he spends his afternoons with her, his wife blissfully innocent as she blushingly fends off attentions from a young English nobleman, an international playboy who thinks he's in love. Mrs. Erlynne is also pursued by a worldly-wise older English nobleman. Mrs. Windermere's 20th birthday party approaches, where all plays out amid numerous amoral Wildean aphorisms.

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Plot Keywords:

lord | lady | gossip | 1930s | birthday | 

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Taglines:

Seduction. Sex. Scandal. She's the talk of the town.

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Genres:

Drama | Comedy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic material, sensuality and language

Details

Official Sites:

Lions Gate Films [us] Vertigo Films [uk]

Country:

UK Italy Spain Luxembourg USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

13 May 2005 (UK)

Also Known As:

Mujer seductora, amante perfecta

Filming Locations:

Amalfi, Salerno, Campania, Italy

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$97,060 (USA) (3 February 2006)

Gross:

$223,144 (USA) (17 February 2006)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Beyond Films, Magic Hour Media, Thema Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The historic airliner used at the end of the film is a De Havilland Dragon Rapide biplane, built in Britain in the 1930s. This one is registration D-ILIT, and is privately owned in Germany. It is fully airworthy (as can be seen in the film) and appears at air displays etc.

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Goofs

Before the party, when Meg polishes her nails and later she puts on her gloves. Afterwards she puts on her earrings and shoes, the gloves are gone.

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Quotes

Lord Darlington: All of which, mind you, si time well spent in my book. So, yes, I take your point, I can't argue. At the club, we'd be with other people. Afraid we'll be seen? Set the chins wagging? Do you know what I find worse than being talked about? Not being talked about at all.

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Connections

Version of Lady Windermere's Fan (1925)

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Soundtracks

"A Te, O Cara Amor Talora"
Written by Vincenzo Bellini, Public Domain
Performed by The La Scala Orchestra ft Glacomo Lauri-Volpi

User Reviews

Good, Light Fun

Hi everyone... This is my first ever review, so I'll see how it goes... I just saw this a few hours ago here at the Rio Film Festival and I have to say, it was one of the most charming films I've seen this year. Those who know Oscar Wilde's work should know that it is mostly based on dialog, and this is no different.. but most of it is so hilarious that even people who can't stand talk-based movies should have a good time. The real star of the show here is, in my opinion, Tom Wilkinson. Helen Hunt and Scarlett Johansson are both very good (as is most of the cast), but Wilkinson is so endearingly silly that you can't help but care for him more than the others. So what keeps it from being a stunner? The same thing that makes it good: it's the type of film you forget very easily. Nothing is ever too serious about the film and even though that is a pivotal thing in making it such a good time, it also makes it very easy for the film to slip out of your mind once it's over. Also, another thing I noticed (and thought was kind of weird, actually) was how uneven the cinematography was. You'd have one shot that was really beautiful and lush followed by one that seemed a little rushed, and not particularly worked on (those who have seen Barry Lyndon should notice that some shots, in my opinion, are incredibly similar, though sunnier - hopefully a reference, not a rip-off). But, by all means, go see it. It is a wonderful film to see with someone special, and should provide some very quotable one-liners once it comes out.

A romantic comedy that is as sleek as it is clever? If that's not enough reason to go to the movies, I don't know what is. Thanks for reading, bye!