meant to be

oscar wilde is known for being a brilliant and successful playwright with a superior wit. he is often quoted and i have never forgotten his observation that a poet should not live in a house with 'a view.'

oscar was also a devoted family man, with two children, and he suffered bitterly for the shame his public scandals brought into his home. aside from various dalliances with young men, he fell deeply in love with one of them. his relationship with 'bosie' led to his imprisonment. society has yet to reach a level of fairness in this matter, but in oscar's time, homosexuality led to a prison sentence. one of wilde's greatest poems was written while serving time. 

the comedic actor, stephen fry, became oscar wilde in this elegantly filmed and sensitive portrayal of the celebrated/condemned man. as young bosie, actor jude law appeared to be spun from gold. their performances are very moving. oscar and bosie's friendship was put through the greatest tests and it is a lesson to see how people can remain devoted while going through such an ordeal as these two suffered.

photos: (top) stephen fry in 'wilde' (below) oscar wilde