Out British actor
Rupert Everett is reportedly developing a film about
the final three years of Oscar Wilde's life, the period
following his release from prison in 1897. Wilde, best
known for works such as The Picture of Dorian Gray
and The Importance of Being Earnest, was imprisoned
in 1895 after being found guilty of engaging in
homosexual acts with Lord Alfred Douglas.
Wilde's life has
been the subject of numerous film and television
projects, most notably in Brian Gilbert's 1997 film
Wilde starring Stephen Fry. Yet Everett insists
his take will be different: "I want to make a film about him
from the time he came out of prison until his death.
Every film made about him has taken him through the
Cafe Royale days to his trial, but his trial, to me,
is the most revealing time of his life," he told the press
while promoting his autobiography, Red Carpets and
Other Banana Skins, at a literary festival in
Gloucestershire, England. "After his release, Wilde
travels to Naples, Paris, and all round Europe. He was the
last of the great vagabonds--this syphilitic, hobbling
man who sat drunk in the corners of nightclubs. I can
identify with that."
Everett, who
gained American celebrity from his role in the Julia Roberts
vehicle My Best Friend's Wedding, has been
vocal in recent months about homophobia in Hollywood and the
marginalization of queer actors and characters. He is
currently lending his voice to the third installment
of the Shrek franchise, due in theaters next summer.
(The Advocate)