Java Man Reviews "Unfaithful" (rated R) Directed by Adrian Lyne Written by Alvin Sargent & William Broyles Jr., based on a script by Claude Chabrol Starring Diane Lane, Richard Gere, Olivier Martinez & Erik Per Sullivan Running Time: 123 minutes Originally published in LakewoodBuzz.Com, July, 2002
OVERVIEW
Connie Sumner (Lane) lives in the cushy comfort of Westchester County with her attentive but preoccupied husband Edward (Gere) and their cute 9-year-old son Charlie (Sullivan). One day while shopping in New York City, she gets caught in a severe windstorm and is unable to hail a taxi. When she falls and cuts her knee, Paul, a young bookseller with an excess of European charm, comes to her rescue. She soon finds herself in his apartment, getting tea and sympathy—and just a little too excited. Later, she returns to the danger and excitement of the city, revisits Paul's apartment and begins a fiery affair. Edward eventually suspects that Connie has wandered and hires a seedy Shamus to investigate. When the private eye produces proof, a series of events are set in motion that are unpredictable yet inevitable.
REVIEW: 3 Java mugs out of 4
We know what is going to happen; the title gives that away. What we don't know is why. Why would a happily married woman become unfaithful? Her husband is seemingly not to blame, and there isn't anything especially impulsive in her personality. So, we ask, why? The answer is, it just happens. And, like voyeurs, we watch it happen.
This film is based on "La Femme Infidele" (1969) by New Waver Claude Chabrol, and the French connection is evident. A typical Hollywood film would provide justifications and explanations for her infidelity, but this film simply shows a woman who knows that what she's doing is wrong but does it anyway. The events that result from her actions aren't easily resolved and the filmmakers do not tack on a pat Hollywood ending.
As for performances, Gere is understated but effective as the hurting husband and Martinez is believable as the charming young book dealer, but the film belongs to Lane, whose remarkably complex performance should be remembered at Oscar time. If we learn anything about the mystery of infidelity, it's through her performance. But thankfully, some exciting mysteries--like a windstorm, the streets of New York or an affair--are left unsolved.
Director Lyne, best known for Fatal Attraction, another, far less subtle film about adultery, has taken a more thoughtful screenplay and fashioned a sexy, suspenseful drama for an adult audience.
OVERVIEW
Connie Sumner (Lane) lives in the cushy comfort of Westchester County with her attentive but preoccupied husband Edward (Gere) and their cute 9-year-old son Charlie (Sullivan). One day while shopping in New York City, she gets caught in a severe windstorm and is unable to hail a taxi. When she falls and cuts her knee, Paul, a young bookseller with an excess of European charm, comes to her rescue. She soon finds herself in his apartment, getting tea and sympathy—and just a little too excited. Later, she returns to the danger and excitement of the city, revisits Paul's apartment and begins a fiery affair. Edward eventually suspects that Connie has wandered and hires a seedy Shamus to investigate. When the private eye produces proof, a series of events are set in motion that are unpredictable yet inevitable.
REVIEW: 3 Java mugs out of 4
We know what is going to happen; the title gives that away. What we don't know is why. Why would a happily married woman become unfaithful? Her husband is seemingly not to blame, and there isn't anything especially impulsive in her personality. So, we ask, why? The answer is, it just happens. And, like voyeurs, we watch it happen.
This film is based on "La Femme Infidele" (1969) by New Waver Claude Chabrol, and the French connection is evident. A typical Hollywood film would provide justifications and explanations for her infidelity, but this film simply shows a woman who knows that what she's doing is wrong but does it anyway. The events that result from her actions aren't easily resolved and the filmmakers do not tack on a pat Hollywood ending.
As for performances, Gere is understated but effective as the hurting husband and Martinez is believable as the charming young book dealer, but the film belongs to Lane, whose remarkably complex performance should be remembered at Oscar time. If we learn anything about the mystery of infidelity, it's through her performance. But thankfully, some exciting mysteries--like a windstorm, the streets of New York or an affair--are left unsolved.
Director Lyne, best known for Fatal Attraction, another, far less subtle film about adultery, has taken a more thoughtful screenplay and fashioned a sexy, suspenseful drama for an adult audience.