The Secret Lives Of Dentists [DVD] (2003)

It's unfortunate that Alan Rudolph's terrific film, 'The Secret Lives of Dentists', practically slipped by unnoticed, not only by audiences, but by critics and award ceremonies as well. A true shame. While it isn't a groundbreaking spectacular film per se, it is a fine example of a film-maker who tried something different, and for the most part succeeded.

David (Campbell Scott) and Dana Hurst (Hope Davis) are married dentists trying to form a functional family with their three daughters, and David eventually cracks under the pressure and develops an alter-ego (incarnated by Denis Leary, who will remind you of 'Fight Club' character Tyler Durden). This movie is very subtle, even for an independent picture, but it works. As the Hursts' marriage gradually crumbles under scrutiny, the director doesn't hammer us over the head with clichés.

David begins to suspect that Dana is having an affair, but unlike other family dramas, which would boil down the situation to the point where it's just a husband trying to catch his wife in the act, Rudolph deals with the issue in relation to the rest of David's life, rather than just the present. David can't bring himself to uncover the truth about Dana for fear that it would destroy their relationship (or what's left of it), and so every action he takes is essentially a procrastination of confrontation. While not wise on David's behalf, this is a very smart move for Rudolph. He builds up immense tension throughout the film and only releases enough to keep us from dying of anxiety; by the time it's all over, we feel as if the Hursts' story is still unfinished.

Screenwriter Craig Lucas (who adapted the script from a novel by Jane Smiley) has created two characters that have a life beyond the restraints of the film's running time, and he has done it masterfully. His script is marvelously low-key, making us laugh at the most unlikely moments and moving us in unexpected ways. Campbell Scott is equally slight in his performance, creating a passive-aggressive character we can't help but sympathise with, but Hope Davis (who received an Independent Spirit Award nod for the film) is the true standout. She brings her grace and complexity to a role that we might have otherwise seen as an enemy to the protagonist. Leary plays himself, so whether or not he's good is purely dependent on the viewer, but the least you could say is that he picked a decent movie for once. Add a wonderfully bizarre soundtrack and Rudolph's quirky direction, and you have an unexpected winner of a film.

I'd seen some fairly decent reviews for this film, so I was really looking forward to watching it. What an incredible disappointment. 10 minutes until the end of the film, I realised my brain would throw in the towel and die completely if I continued watching, so I had to switch it off. I can't remember the last time I didn't finish a movie, but I just couldn't do it with this one. Incredibly dull, unoriginal, and depressing (and not even in a thought-provoking way).

I honestly couldn't recommend it any less.

This is an excellent story about the married dentist couple. It deals with the real issues of marriage, but yet in a quarky and, at times, original way. The cast, although not Hollywood heavyweights, are excellent.

The film is actually several years old now, and I have for years wondered what stopped it being released on DVD in the UK. I am pleased the time is finally here and warmly recommend this movie to anyone ready for a different story about very real issues.