Well, who would have thought the singing, passionate community crusader and recently re-elected Mayor of Auckland Len Brown would have had such an interesting first week of his second term. I’m more interested in Len Brown’s politics than his private life, but it got me thinking about films on a similar theme that he may ponder.
Here are my top five recent adultery related films...
Well, who would have thought the singing, passionate community crusader and recently re-elected Mayor of Auckland Len Brown would have had such an interesting first week of his second term. I’m more interested in Len Brown’s politics than his private life, but it got me thinking about films on a similar theme that he may ponder.
Here are my top five recent adultery related films:
The Kids Are All Right
Witty, honest and moving; it’s a joy to watch this warm dramatic comedy about same-sex couple Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore). They must deal with their daughter Joni’s (Mia Wasikowska) move to college, and the sudden appearance of their children’s biological father (Mark Ruffalo), who adds a new level of complexity to the family relationships. This film could’ve been angst driven and complicated but it’s actually as light and accessible as it is smart. While the lesbian subject matter gives the story a twist, Nic and Jules’ sexual orientation isn’t terribly relevant - their relationship and family life is much like anyone else’s. This is a story about a couple trying to maintain a long-term relationship, deal with their maturing kids and retain a sense of self. Read more here.
Fatal Attraction
If ever there was a cautionary tale about an affair, this would be it. Glenn Close stars as the psychotic Alex Cross, one of the most infamous femme fatales ever, who stalks, kidnaps and threatens to kill one night-stand Dan (Michael Douglas) and his family. This film should put an end to the idea of on-going dalliances.
Take this Waltz
It’s lust verses love in this bittersweet romance by Canadian filmmaker Sarah Polley as a young married woman, Margot (Michelle Williams), contemplates having an affair with her neighbour across the street. Unfolding at its own pace, Take this Waltz observes the demise of one relationship and the birth of a new one, with Margot all too aware of what she may lose and unsure of what she’ll gain. It’s a gentle reminder you don’t always find happiness where you think you might. Encore screening on Rialto Channel - Monday 21 October at 6.30pm.
The Ides of March
Politicians and sex eh. Whether they’re having “relations” in the Oval Office, texting pictures of their private parts, or having sex in the Town Hall, it’s hardly shocking news these days. Unless or course, it leads to the death of a young woman, which is what happens in political drama The Ides of March, with a young campaign manager having to decide whether to reveal his presidential candidate’s dirty little secret. The key message here is that when it comes sex and politics, trustworthy staff and good PR are a must.
Revolutionary Road
Once upon a time Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio wooed us on the Titanic, but when they reunited in Revolutionary Road, an adaptation of a Richard Yates novel directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty), there’s was less wooing and a lot more misery. Set in the 50s when divorce was uncommon, it was a time when couples in sour marriages were usually stuck with each other. As Winslet and DiCaprio’s marriage deteriorates they find solace in the arms of others, with alarming results.
Of course, if none of these films often any enlightenment when it comes to dealing with adultery, you could always turn to Cleaver Greene for advice. Rake’s brilliant, witty and reckless lawyer, played by Richard Roxburgh, can’t seem to keep his hands off married women, including married politicians, and he’s constantly paying the price for it.
Got a favourite adulterer? Let me know.