Friday, 15 February 2019: The Happy Prince

Friday, 15 February 2019, 20:00

Venue: (see Locations and Tickets for further details)

Programme category: Forest Row Film Society

Director: Rupert Everett, Germany/Belgium/United Kingdom/Italy 2018, 102 mins, 15

“Wilde’s gallows humour and smirking remorse [amplify] the poignancy of not only his own tragic fundamental flaws, but also what the world was about to lose forever.” Sunday Independent (Ireland)

Chronicling Oscar Wilde’s final degradation and disintegration during his exile on the continent, Rupert Everett, as writer and director is also mesmerisingly convincing in the lead role. In almost operatic splendour, Everett reveals an irritatingly self-regarding character, but also someone who can observe his own failure with profound detachment, sensitivity and wit.

“As for Everett, he is terrific. His Wilde is not hagiographic. His Wilde is brilliant but also foolhardy, exploited but also wilfully self-destructive, funny but also pathetic. A sad film, but ravishingly so.” Deborah Ross, The Spectator

Further reading

1. 1. The Guardian
   2. Empire
   3. The Telegraph
   4. The Independent
   5. Sunday Independent (Ireland)
   6. Time Out

Trailer