Overview"A Good Woman" is a remarkable funny film adjusted from Oscar Wilde's 1892 classic, "Lady Windermere's Fan". Launched in 2004, the film is directed by Mike Barker and stars Helen Hunt, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Wilkinson. Set on the fashionable Amalfi Coast in the 1930s, the film retains Wilde's wit and humor while adding an Art Deco design and cinematic flair. The plot focuses on seduction, scandal, and a misunderstanding that might destroy the life of the young Lady Windermere (Scarlett Johansson).
PlotMrs. Erlynne (Helen Hunt), a glamorous yet outrageous American divorcee, shows up on the Amalfi Coast with a notorious track record. Known to be a female who seduces family men for cash, she rapidly ends up being the center of destructive chatter. Mrs. Erlynne sets her sights on Robert Windermere (Mark Umbers), a rich business owner wed to the innocent Lady Windermere. An affair starts in between Mrs. Erlynne and Robert, sparking rumors.
The Windermeres toss a luxurious party on Lady Windermere's birthday, welcoming the whole social set, with Mrs. Erlynne skillfully setting up an invite. Woman Windermere discovers the affair and flees to Lord Augustus (Tom Wilkinson), a rich bachelor who is devotedly pursuing Mrs. Erlynne, vowing to leave her hubby.
Conflicts and ResolutionIn the middle of a misconception, Lady Windermere believes that her partner is having an affair with Mrs. Erlynne and intends to elope with Lord Augustus. At this point, the heartbreaking truth is exposed. Mrs. Erlynne is not in fact involved with Robert. Rather, she is Lady Windermere's long-lost mother, who deserted her as a child. Mrs. Erlynne has been pretending to blackmail Robert to protect the young couple's marital relationship and guarantee Lady Windermere's joy.
Despite experiencing social disgrace, Mrs. Erlynne sacrifices her own reputation for her child's marriage by accepting the blame for the misunderstanding. She skillfully sets up things to appear she had been the one thinking about running away with Windermere, therefore protecting Lady Windermere's credibility.
End NoteIn the end, "A Good Woman" emerges as a tale of sacrifice and redemption. Mrs. Erlynne, who has been scandalizing society, ends up being the female who sacrifices whatever for her daughter's dignity. What seems like a tale of scandal and seduction develops into a touching narrative of quiet redemption and unrequited maternal love. Through this rich, tragicomic story, the story elegantly highlights the sharp contrast in between society's viewed values and the genuine virtues of compassion and self-sacrifice.
Top Cast
