While maintaining, for the majority of the play, the plot and fundamental themes

explored in Oscar Wildes 1892 comedy Lady Windermeres Fan, Mike Barkers
2004 film A Good Woman alters the structure and setting of the narrative and
translates it to the genre of film and in doing so creates a text that while sharing
some themes and narrative, also in the presenting of many themes and values
differs greatly from the original text. The first difference, immediately obvious to
the audience, is the change in time and location. The movie has been moved to a
1930s Italy rather than late 19th century London. This change in location has
drastic effects on the overall impact of the media. Many commentators have
stated that this makes many of Wildes themes, some of which they postulate
belong solely in their original setting, less relevant and thus each of Wildes well
known epigrams bear less social relevance and appear to be shoehorned in.
However, the more crucial difference is the time scheme. The events of Barkers
text are spread over several weeks, unlike Wildes original play in which the
events transpire over just a 24 hour period. Thus the movie misses the sense of
urgency present in the play but rather builds over time to a climax. This change
was perhaps necessary for the translation to the film media but some
commentators have stated that one important aspect of the play, the possibility
of losing or gaining a social status within 24 hours is missing. Barker and Wilde
also share and differ much in their presentation of the themes. Both remain
throughout the piece highly critical of high society but also present many aspects
of characters to sympathise with, while Barker leans far more towards the side of
sympathetic characters and cuts less deeply at the moral flaws of the society,
this is a balance they both attempt. In the movie, a scene which represents this
criticism of the wealthy as narcissistic and arrogant involves Lord Augustus and
Lord Windermere playing golf atop a balcony. Sound effects of breaking glass and
barking dogs are purposefully accentuated to present both characters as caring
little for the destruction their selfishness causes. In the play, criticism of high
society is more subtle and demonstrated by the actions of several characters
and how other minor characters perceive them. Throughout the play, high
society accepts Lady Windermere as a good woman and Mrs Erlynne as a bad
one. However, throughout the course of the play, we see Lady Windermere react
to the events that unfold throughout the play without trust or forgiveness. After
Mrs Erlynne comes to her at Darlingtons estate, revealing only she had read the
letter and burnt it, Lady Windermere perseveres with her accusations and rather
than trusting an affectionate husband. Lady Windermere also threatens to shame
Mrs Erlynne publically as a matter of revenge. Mrs Erlynne however reveals the
folly of high society in being an undeniably good woman. Barker is far gentler in
exposing Lady Windermeres immaturity (perhaps because she is a connection
point with the audience) but shows high societys misconceptions regarding Mrs
Erlynne equally. In this way Wilde does more to show the lack of sincere moral
understanding in high society.