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In today’s world, Oscar Wilde’s literary influence is often boiled down to the quick-witted quotes that made him a beloved figure, with his renowned words like, “One can survive everything nowadays except death” and “There is no sin except stupidity.” However, Wilde’s broader body of work continues to fuel numerous cinematic creations, even though that inspiration may not always be immediately apparent. One of his most iconic works, the play The Importance of Being Earnest, has led to numerous film adaptations, with even more renditions made for radio, television, and opera. Yet, Wilde’s influence extends far beyond this one piece.
1. The Selfish Giant
Now showing in select theaters and available online, Clio Barnard’s film The Selfish Giant takes inspiration from Wilde’s 1888 short story of the same name. Barnard brings her own distinctive style to the adaptation—her previous film, The Arbor, cleverly blended documentary elements with fiction, creating an unsettling effect. She has radically reimagined Wilde’s original tale, turning it into an incredibly poignant, heart-wrenching drama, in stark contrast to the slightly uplifting ending of the original story. Wilde’s tale, first published in The Happy Prince and Other Stories, was also adapted in 1972 as an animated film, but this version bears little resemblance to Barnard’s somber rendition.
2. Velvet Goldmine
Todd Haynes’ 1998 glam rock film, though it might not immediately appear to be inspired by Oscar Wilde, is undeniably influenced by his life and works. The film, which is filled with characters inspired by rock legends like David Bowie and Marc Bolan, continuously channels Wilde’s ideas, with his quotes woven throughout the storyline. Despite its wild, extravagant style, Wilde’s literary presence is clear in the themes and characters.
3. The Canterville Ghost
Oscar Wilde’s short story, The Canterville Ghost, has seen numerous adaptations over the years, including a 1996 TV version starring Patrick Stewart. However, the 1944 film version is often regarded as the definitive take. This whimsical and fantastical film, blending elements of comedy, horror, and realism, perfectly encapsulates Wilde’s signature wit. The narrative—featuring a ghost haunting a castle—proves how Wilde could turn a familiar trope into something fresh and uniquely his.
4. A Good Woman
For all the delightful and faithful adaptations of Wilde’s works, there are certainly some missteps. Mike Barker’s 2004 film A Good Woman, based on Wilde’s 1892 play Lady Windermere’s Fan, features a star-studded cast—Scarlett Johansson, Helen Hunt, and Tom Wilkinson—but it was widely panned by critics and failed to attract audiences. Lacking the sharp wit and balance that Wilde’s original work offers, the film instead came off as overly dramatic, cheesy, and somewhat shallow, more akin to a high school production than a polished Hollywood film.
5. Wilde Salome
In his 2011 documentary Wilde Salome, Al Pacino delivers a lively, witty, and slightly chaotic exploration of the creation of his own version of Wilde’s play Salome. Not only did Pacino star in a stage production of the play, but he also delved deeply into Wilde’s life and legacy, resulting in a captivating documentary that won over both new and long-time Wilde enthusiasts. The film was a standout at the Venice International Film Festival, and the project later expanded into a full feature film, with Jessica Chastain delivering a much-discussed performance.
6. Three Shadows
Wilde’s only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, has inspired numerous film adaptations, many of which focus on the chilling aspects of Dorian’s immortality and the portrait that ages in his place. One such unconventional take is Ansel Faraj’s 2010 film Three Shadows, which features Kevin Shayer as a character blending elements of Gray, Nosferatu, and Abner Whateley (a figure inspired by H.P. Lovecraft). The film weaves together three interconnected stories that are as strange and surreal as they sound.
7. Belonging to Laura
Belonging to Laura - Trailer from Darran Tiernan on Vimeo.
Karl Golden’s 2009 film Belonging to Laura offers a fresh modern twist on Wilde’s classic Lady Windermere’s Fan, setting the tale in contemporary Dublin. While it doesn’t carry the same comedic flair found in other Wilde works, Golden’s adaptation surprisingly succeeds in its current-day setting. It serves as a reminder that Wilde’s exploration of human nature and emotions is as relevant now as it was in his time, transcending the boundaries of era.
8. Pact With the Devil, aka Dorian
The problematic horror adaptation of Dorian Gray doesn’t stop with Three Shadows. In 2004, another misguided attempt emerged with Pact With the Devil, set in the high-fashion world. Despite featuring a notable actor like Malcolm McDowell and attempting a risqué angle, the film falters due to poor special effects and subpar acting. The result is a Wilde-inspired misfire that ranks as one of the most disappointing adaptations. On the bright side, it does offer a nostalgic look at outdated cell phones.
9. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
At last, Dorian Gray gets the respect he deserves—not as a typical horror villain but as a gentleman! In Stephen Norrington’s 2003 film, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Gray steps out of the shadows of villainy and into the spotlight among literary greats. The movie, adapted from Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill’s comic series, brings together iconic characters from classic stories: Tom Sawyer, Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and yes, the revamped Dorian Gray. No longer just the twisted figure of a dark tale, he’s now an integral member of a distinguished league of extraordinary individuals.
