PODCAST | Chiara Nicoletti interviews Rupert Everett, director and actor of the film The Happy Prince.
After participating in the last Berlinale and in the Sundance Film Festival, Rupert Everett lands in Italy to release his first film as a director, The Happy Prince, depicting the last phase of Oscar Wilde’s life. Everett reveals the reason behind his choice of potraying these very last moments after his two years’s incarceration for being homosexual, the falling of a star, what he defines as “the passion of Wilde” in a sort of comparison to Jesus Christ’s parable. These fading moments in Wilde’s life are comparable to those Everett himself lived right after he publicly declared his homosexuality in the 90’s. Since then, he has been looking for a good and important role for his comeback but having found none, 10 years ago he decided to personally write it so he conceived the script for The Happy Prince. What does Oscar Wilde represent for Rupert Everett? The actor now turned director reveals his connection and opinions on Wilde and as a director he declares his cinematic influences such as his passion for Luchino Visconti and Franco Zeffirelli’s films. While going through the difficulties Oscar Wilde had to face because of his homosexuality, Everett comments on the health status and achievements of the LGBT community, declaring his concern on the recent acts of violence and bullying that are taking place in “apparently” free countries like Italy and the UK.
The Happy Prince: Rupert Everett directs and stars in the seldom-told story of the last days of exiled writer Oscar Wilde. Once the toast of London, Wilde is now a spent force. As he lies on his deathbed, the past comes flooding back to him, transporting him to other times and places.
For the official website of the film, click here.