Review of The Secret Lives of Dentists (2002) by Jennifer A — 16 Jun 2004

The Secret Lives Of Dentists is one of those films that will be revered by those who like to exercise their brain cells and despised by those who want their movies spoon-fed to them. Examining a marriage in crisis, The Secret Lives of Dentists is a subtle, moving, and often funny film about a man struggling with himself as he confronts the possible infidelity of his wife.

Hope Davis and Campbell Scott are David and Dana Hurst, successful dentists with a combined practice and a firm grasp on the American dream. When David observes Dana in the arms of another man, he assumes infidelity and begins to question everything he believed about his 10-year marriage. Rather than confront Dana with what he saw, he remains stoically determined to continue the status quo, hoping that Dana will work out whatever she?s going through and recommit to the marriage. He begins to process his repressed emotions in the form of one of his patients, a surly and cynical fellow who pops in and out of scenes, urging David to say what it is he feels.

The conflict between this couple is scripted so subtly many viewers might overlook it. We are given little information as to how this couple ended up where they are, but the journey is less important than knowing that they have arrived. What matters to the film is this moment, this point in time where decisions must be made and choices carefully evaluated ? the point where a marriage and family are on the line. A point where there are hard questions and no easy answers. It is a story that is wonderfully scripted and rang true to me on every level based on my own similar experiences.

What I found most enjoyable about this film was the level of commitment the characters have to staying together. In an age where marriage is viewed as a disposable commodity, it was extremely refreshing to watch David fight for his.

Scott is fantastic. His is a delicate performance, restrained yet powerfully moving in his determination to stand by his family and work through his pain. Scott captures the fear, anger, and hope of his character perfectly. Davis, too, is wonderful. Although her motives are never quite understood, she convincingly portrays a woman unhappy with her life and desperate to close the growing gap between them. Denis Leary is the Harvey-like voice of unreason and frequently lightens the darker tone of the film with his wry, and often humorous, observations of human behavior.

The Secret Lives of Dentists is available on DVD in 1.85:1 widescreen anamorphic and 5.1 Dolby Digital. Bonus features include Sundance Channel?s always fascinating ?Anatomy of a Scene? which examines a key scene from different perspectives such as wardrobe, cinematography, and music; 3 deleted scenes; a blooper reel; full-length feature commentary from the director and cast; and several trailers.

The Secret Lives of Dentists is a touching, and frequently funny, film that, despite its premise, celebrates the institution of marriage rather than trivializing it.