Unfaithful [2002] [DVD]

If you are a Richard Gere fan, you will be surprised over the fact that, as good an actor as he is and can be, he triumphs in this movie almost purely by staying out of Dianel Lane's artistic way! He deserves a *most generous supporting actor* Oscar. My girlfriend's life was changed by what she saw in this movie (it deeply frightened and overwhelmed her); and I think mine was too. If you are in love or married, see this movie at your own risk. But see it.

In all these personal ruminations the Gere movie persona actually plays into the effectiveness of the film, because we are never really sure why Connie Sumner has an affair. More to the point, we are not sure why she, or any woman, would cheat on Richard Gere (Edmund Sumner). The film's suggestion is that Connie is caught up in strong natural forces, symbolized by the extremely strong winds that literally blow her into the arms of another man, Paul Martel (Olivier Martinez). But ultimately what is important here are not the causes, but the results as both straying wife and desperate husband go too far.

"Unfaithful" is based on Claude Chabrol's film "La Femme Infidele," and "based" is indeed the operative world (although the story goes back in great literature to "Madame Bovary"). Although I have not seen the original, it is clear from the director's commentary and other mentions of the French film that there are significant differences between the two, both in terms of what is shown regarding the affair (more) and where the story ends (later). The strength of Adrian Lyne's film is that it eschews conventionality, both in terms of how it presents the affair and how it plays out the consequences of the actions of these characters.

This film is one of the most erotic I have seen in some times. The eroticism is based on Lane's performance (specifically the look she gets in her eye), but I also think her age enters into it because her maturity brings a realism to these scenes that transcends the normal sexual romping we see in so many of these films. Lyne's direction (and Anne V. Coates's editing) also comes into play as the first sex scene is a montage of Connie on the train ride home with flashbacks of what she is remembering. The net effect is more suggestive than explicit, but that is, of course, what makes it particularly erotic.

I also liked the way Lyne ends the film (even more so after seeing the alternative ending). As the plot develops and takes its twists and turns you can see all the generic possibilities spreading out before you, but Lyne chooses none of those paths. Consequently, "Unfaithful" ends as I found myself wanting it to end, although certainly that was not what I was thinking would end up happening half way through the film.

Final Note: The DVD extras in terms of commentary and interviews are extremely helpful in providing insights into the way the film developed. Lyne, Lane and Gere were clearly into this production and hopefully Lane will at least receive an Oscar nomination for her performance.

Diane Lane's character is the focus of the film. Lane is memorable as the guilt-ridden wife who is obsessed with her lover. She is lovely, mature, and honest in her portrayal. Gere is almost a supporting actor here, but he is wonderful playing an average guy. The usually stunning Gere actually has a few moments where he looks frumpy, with his glasses, slouched posture, and extra pounds. Olivier Martinez plays Lane's paramour. His character was fairly one-dimensional and could have been developed further, but he was very good in the role.

I had to watch Unfaithful twice to decide if I liked it or not (I do.). The first time, I thought it was relatively dull because of its relentlessly low-key presentation ad leisurely pace. However, on the second viewing, I found it a real winner. There are long periods without dialogue, where the camera focuses on facial nuances. The silence gives one a chance to appreciate the fine acting. The photography is excellent, from wide shots of dirty urban streets to warm glimpses of home, with child and dog. Lane did have chronically messy hair and she tugged at it endlessly, but I suppose this was to emphasize her nervous energy. The musical score was lovely; lilting and romantic.

Diane Lane certainly deserved her nomination for Best Actress; all the actors were outstanding. I recommend Unfaithful to those who looking for a thoughtful story that examines the effect of an affair on a husband and wife; it is erotic and tender, with some surprises and an provocative ending.