Unfaithful [2002] [DVD]

I found this film excellent on all levels and even more - it impressed me. Below, more of my impressions, with some LIMITED SPOILERS.Connie (Diane Lane) and Edward Sumner (Richard Gere) are a middle-aged couple who live in suburban New York City with their young son. One day, when shopping in New York, Connie is surprised by a windstorm and very literally bumps into a certain Paul Martel (Olivier Martinez), a young Frenchman carrying a great pile of books... This is as much as I am going to say about the story, because you deserve to discover all the rest by yourself.This is the remake of 1968 French film "La femme infidele", which I didn't see and therefore cannot compare them. However, considering that "Unfaithful" really impressed me, I am quite certain that it didn't dishonour the original movie. From the synopsis of "Le femme infidele" which I read, it is clear that Adrian Lyne followed the original plot quite closely, albeit some details were of course changed.This film impressed me in many ways. First, the choice of three main actors was dead on target and the way they were used was nearly perfect. Richard Gere and Olivier Martinez (a genuine French actor by the way) are excellent but to describe the performance of Diane Lane, well, there is simply no words (great legs too)! Rarely was an Oscar nomination as much deserved as the one she got for her role in this film - it is just pity she didn't get the prize...The scenario is strong, very strong indeed, without any weakness I could notice. The pace of events is initially deceptively slow, before picking up and accelerating - and then slowing again. This is actually exactly how it should be, because this affair is shown as a kind of "highway to hell" - and once the infernal flames are reached and make their job, picking up the pieces is quite obviously slower than the disaster itself... Mentioning here hell is very appropriate, as the seductor and tempter in this film has to him a very Mephistophelian charm - and certainly a terrific, highly efficient, obviously well-rehearsed predatory seduction technique... And, quite appropriately, he is a (charming) bringer of mayhem and a tool of destruction...The filming technique is impressively good, like the incredible use of the windstorm and the train trips opening and closing chapters of the tale, but also all other tricks known to experienced and gifted directors. Intimacy is shown in a tasty, erotic and yet dignified way - even when really rough, primal, quasi animal sex is involved. There is not even one scene vulgar, gross or obscene - even if the abject immorality of the behaviour of two lovers is made quite obvious.All the eroticism and some occasional discreet humour notwithstanding, this is nevertheless an absolutely heart-breaking tragedy - as it should be. Infidelity is first and before anything else a betrayal - and those make always for painful tales... The film is not highly judgmental, even if it shows clearly the infidelity as a destructive and ultimately repugnant thing. But it also shows, with sadness, that once you got the trifecta of normal life made of family, job and mortgage, well, this same life itself unavoidably steals something from even the most loving couples - and no matter how much you love your family, the urge, the want, the thirst for what was lost, can be virtually irresistible...LITTLE SPOILER HERE! The ending is deliberately vague, even slightly more so than in the original. Ending a film without a clearly cut solution is always a risky thing (quite frequently it misfires) - but here, I believe it fits just perfectly! The ending is a kind of Rorschach test - once you watched it, you will end the story according to whatever you find in your heart.At the risk of repeating myself, let's say it again - this film IMPRESSED ME! It will break your heart and it may not be exactly a thing to enjoy, but this is one of those movies TO SEE ABSOLUTELY!

I enjoyed watching this film. Connie doesn't seem to have a job of any kind other than going to New York shopping which they recently left for a home in the country. She meets up with a young French man and becomes obsessed with him. Richard Gere is her husband who is boss of his own company she has a beautiful home and one young son. The inevitable happens. Watch it and see for yourself

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Richard Gere's understated performance is a gem. Diane Lane cannot help looking seductive no matter what part she plays. Her obsession with the Book Dealer is quietly effective. Despite the attempts to keep the affair under wraps I think that secretly she wanted to be caught eventually to find out what the actions of her husband would be. However, his pre-empting this event led to what I think was the one weakness in the film, in effect, the ending. I consider either of the two endings did not do the film justice. So much more story could have been told. Even, heaven forbid, a sequel, Unfaithful 2-The Aftermath

I purchased this as a used item via Amazon shortly after watching it on the TV, as there is such an horrific twist in the middle that I just can't get out of my mind and, although it is actually rather disturbing, I can't help wanting to watch it again! I also want my best friend to watch it, as she found herself in a similar position once, although obviously not nearly as serious and the outcome wasn't the same, but this film may stop her from getting into anything like that in the future! Really rather shocking, very well done, the emotions and feelings could be felt as though I was experiencing it myself. Highly recommended but brace yourself, and don't blink or you may miss the most poignant scene.

Excellent acting and twist to story

In this 2002 classic, Gere takes a break from the stereotypical role of that which almost became in jeapordy of clouding his career.This is a unique and amazing movie.If you have heard of Fatal Attraction with Michael Douglas and Len Close you will find yourself LOVING this movie. Gere plays a happily (or so he thinks) married man, but as you will guess from the title things turn out as you will expect.It is a clever powerplay of leading roles, which see's Gere giving an almost sympathetic performance as befits his character.You cannot deny that this is entertainment at its finest from one of Hollywoods leading stars.

Not really what I expected, although quite a good film. Felt sorry for Richard, his wife was caught up in a passion, she couldn't resist.

Stumbled across this film by accident whilst searching for Richard Gere films....absolutely brilliant. Both Gere and Lane are fabulous in it. Basically it's a story about a married couple and the wife's chance meeting with a younger man which leads to an affair. You can understand the emotions both husband and wife are going through by their brilliant acting. Would highly recommend,a film to be watched over and over again.