As
I sat down to watch this film, I expected a Merchant Ivory film (Remains of the
Day, Howard's End), which is fine. What I got, however, was something much lighter,
which is also fine.
Rupert
Everett (My Best Friend's Wedding) plays a lonely socialite in search of the perfect
wife. He has many prospects, but seems to be holding back. This film is sort of
a gentler Dangerous Liasions and a less tragic Age of Innocence. It's a lush,
light romantic comedy that benefits form a quick pace and warm, witty performances.
Everett
really carries the movie while Minnie Driver and Cate Blanchett seem to be on
cruise control. Jeremy Northam does a good job, but was much more effective in
David Mamet's The Winslow Boy.
An
Ideal Husband is breezy entertainment that is surprisingly small in scope. It's
enjoyable while you're watching it, but chances are you won't remember it at the
year's end.
