THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (2002) **1/2 Oliver Parker throws in just enough flashbacks and such to assure you that you're watching a film of a play, rather than a play, and probably doesn't take it too far. In fact he updates things a bit, all the while mainly keeping them in their original context, even adding a dimension to the title dilemma. The problem is not only that it IS a play, but even more that it's a bit like re-doing Aeschylus, everyone's already heard Oscar Wilde's brilliant lines a million times before. But they're fresh from the mouths of Rupert Everett and particularly Colin Firth, who comes dangerously close to dominating the scenes between them, even as the less interesting character. If you think that Reese Witherspoon is probably out of her league here I wouldn't necessarily disagree, but she's not as far afloat as you'd be afraid going in. Judi Dench is adamant about absolutely everything (and the character of Lady Bracknell, perhaps, unnecessarily savaged), but after Margaret Thatcher and Mrs. Bucket the concept of the British matriarch sustained a massive hit, didn't it? Aw, shut up bitch! This play is a glowing example of what any genius can do if he aims mainstream with substantial interest, and no matter who performs it it's going to stay that way. It's very good, even with slight (but arguably necessary to keep it fresh) subtractions through addition.
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