Review of Damage (1992) by Leah B — 16 Feb 2009

I think the problem with this movie is that it relies completely on the plot (which, if you don't already know, is totally sick and twisted). I knew 'Damage' would be a difficult movie, but it has Jeremy Irons in it, so could I really say no? Part of me almost wishes I had, because other than the fine acting and the general plot, this film is kind of, well...a mess.

If you don't already know, 'Damage' is a movie about a man who falls in love with his son's girlfriend, and the two of them continue to have a relationship until the explosive end. I think my problem with the whole thing is that it feels so distant- everything happens merely for plot. There's no reason Binoche's character and Irons have a relationship- there's no bonding or even getting-to-know-each-other montage; she sees him, he sees her, and the two of them conveniently decide they want to have sex with each other. A lot. For drama, of course. I think Irons and Richardson, who plays his wife, did the best they could with it, which truly made up the best moments. But Bincoche's character was just strange and somehow irresistible, even though she spends the first 20 minutes of the film almost silent (but still manages to get in Jeremy Irons pants, mind you).

Like I said, the plot is good and the acting is top notch, but I really don't care for the way this film was handled. It's one of those instances where the director tries to hide the fact that there's not too much substance with about 8 almost ridiculously graphic sex scenes (you know, to convince you they're in love...they don't really have to talk or have anything in common, they're just sexy) and aloof transitions (I didn't know a movie could fade to black to signify transition so many times). If you like Jeremy Irons, I recommend this because he's great in it. If not, I don't know if I would. Unless you're a perv and you're in it for the sex scenes.