Review of Unfaithful (2002) by Charity B — 25 Apr 2012

After watching the film Unfaithful each viewer can tell itâ(TM)s a bad idea to cheat on your devoted husband, unless you want you lover to be bludgeoned to death over the scandal. However, Unfaithful truly is a romance film from start to finish about forbidden lust between two lovers caught in an affair that has suspense written all over it because of Richard Geerâ(TM)s sneaking suspicion. The film was a wonderful thriller leaving the viewer to be constantly waiting for the plot to take a turn down a dark path once the affair takes a serious turn. The dark under tones captivated me keeping me forever anticipating the climax and wondering what the resolution would be, the serious side of the film really explored the harsh reality of pain an affair can bring on a couple. I honestly believe that both actors Richard Greer and Diane Lane sold the broken marriage and gave a moving performance. Richard Geer especially made me feel his suffering and heart broken soul as he searched for answers. Diane Lane and Oliver Martinez added a lot to the film by playing the perfect role of star-crossed lovers who would do anything to maintain their relationship without letting anyone find out.

Directed by Adrian Lyne, an English director known for his films Flashdance and Fatal Attraction which won him an Academy Award for best director, sets up the film as a great mystery for Richard Geer to solve. Adrian Lyne is known for his sexually charged woman leads so its no surprise that in Unfaithful Diane Lane is quick to jump at the chance to get acquainted with a new lover. I think Adrian Lyne did an excellent job with his filming technique, the camera angles were superb always staying close with the action and keeping the viewers attention firmly held on every detail. He used excellent establishing shots to grab the viewers eye and then proper close ups of the dialogue allowing the message to have a resounding effect. The setting were also very well done, each characters living space was a perfect back drop for their personalities, the Sumners (Geer and Lane) had a quaint suburban house and a son that tied their love together, while Martel (Martinez) has a large Manhattan apartment filled with books perfect for a Frenchman to have.

I found it very interesting that in this film the woman was the cause of the heartbreak and a ruined marriage when in most popular culture you would generally see the male taking the responsibility for and affair. I think that because the film was originally French it makes more sense to see the French culture reflected on the plot because its generally considered that the French culture is less prudish and having a female caused affair is more common. I also find it surprising that at the end of the film Richard Geer is set on turning himself in after his confrontation with his wifeâ(TM)s lover, even though he could have gotten away with his crime and moved on with life he is an honest man who would rather serve his punishment than to live with his quilt. I think this goes back on the French culture that is much less violent and would be more remorseful for their actions.