A Good Woman
A Good Woman

Movie spotlight

A Good Woman

2004
Movie
93 min
English

Fleeing 1930s New York and leaving behind a chequered past, the giltzy divorcee Mrs Stella Erlynne travels to Italy's sun-dappled Amalfi coast. Mrs Erlynne's appearance causes a stir amongst the visiting aristocracy. Based on the Oscar Wilde play "Lady Windemere's Fan."

Insights

IMDb5.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes56%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users73%
Director: Mike BarkerGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In 1930s Italy, the spirited and impoverished American socialite Meg Windermere travels to the Italian Riviera to escape her family's financial ruin. There, she becomes entangled in a scandalous affair with the charming but unscrupulous Robert Windermere, who is married to her supposed friend, the wealthy Mrs. Windermere. Meg must navigate the treacherous waters of high society, deceit, and burgeoning romance while trying to protect her reputation and uncover the truth about Robert's past.

Critical Reception

A Good Woman received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its witty dialogue, elegant production design, and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Scarlett Johansson and Helen Mirren, others found the plot to be predictable and derivative, comparing it unfavorably to Oscar Wilde's original play 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' upon which it is loosely based. The film's attempt at screwball comedy was seen by some as falling short, while others appreciated its lighthearted take on social mores.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish visuals and sophisticated atmosphere.

  • Performances, especially from Helen Mirren and Scarlett Johansson, were often highlighted.

  • Criticized by some for a predictable plot and a lack of genuine comedic spark.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a visually appealing and entertaining period piece, with many appreciating the performances of the cast. However, some viewers noted that the plot felt a bit thin or overly familiar, and a portion of the audience felt it did not quite live up to its potential.

Fun Fact

The film is a loose adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' but relocates the story from late Victorian England to Fascist Italy in the 1930s, changing the tone and context significantly.

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