Watch Lady Windermere's Fan

In the movie Lady Windermere's Fan, we are transported back to the late 19th century where we are introduced to Lady Margaret Windermere, a young and beautiful woman married to Lord Windermere, a wealthy politician. Lady Windermere has everything a woman of her position could want - a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a vibrant social life. However, she is consumed by paranoia and the idea that her husband is having an affair with the seductive Mrs. Erlynne, a woman with a questionable reputation.

As the society season comes to a close, Lady Windermere prepares for her own birthday party, but she is apprehensive about inviting Mrs. Erlynne. Her fears are assuaged when Lord Augustus Lorton informs her that Mrs. Erlynne is in fact her long-lost mother. Torn between her feelings of disgust for her mother's past and a sense of familial obligation, Lady Windermere decides to invite her to the party.

However, Lady Windermere's decision proves costly as her husband is forced to reveal his indiscretions to her. Devastated, she decides to leave her husband and son to run away with Lord Darlington, a charming but disreputable man. It is then that Mrs. Erlynne reveals the truth about her past and redeems herself by saving Lady Windermere from a life of scandal and disgrace.

The movie Lady Windermere's Fan is a delightful adaptation of the eponymous play by Oscar Wilde. The story revolves around the themes of love, betrayal, and the hypocritical moral code of the upper class during the Victorian era. The movie's strength lies in its exceptional performances, especially that of Helena Little who plays Lady Windermere. She portrays her character's emotional transformation from a naive and trusting wife to a woman tormented by pain and disillusion with great conviction.

Likewise, Tim Woodward as Lord Windermere is equally impressive. He portrays a reserved and dignified character whose loyalty to his wife is unwavering, even as accusations of infidelity swirl around him. Stephanie Turner also deserves mention for her portrayal of the enigmatic and manipulative Mrs. Erlynne. Her acting is subtle yet powerful, and she creates a character we are compelled to loathe but ultimately come to respect.

The movie's production design is superb, with sumptuous costumes and opulent interiors that capture the grandeur and decadence of the Victorian era. The cinematography is equally impressive with sweeping shots of the British countryside and intricate close-ups that capture the nuances of the characters' emotions.

One of the movie's standout scenes is the conversation between Lady Windermere and Mrs. Erlynne in the garden. The scene is shot in a wide-angle that captures the vastness of the garden and the sense of isolation the characters feel. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the tension between the two women builds to a riveting climax. The scene is a testament to the director's skill in creating an atmosphere of intrigue and drama without ever resorting to melodrama.

Overall, Lady Windermere's Fan is a charming and elegant movie that captures the essence of Oscar Wilde's wit and social commentary. The movie explores themes that are still relevant today, such as the double standards of society and the damaging effects of social ostracism. The movie's ending is a triumph of redemption and forgiveness, proving that even the most flawed characters can be redeemed. The movie is a must-watch for fans of Oscar Wilde and lovers of Victorian-era drama.

Lady Windermere's Fan is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.