A film grounded in familiar circumstances, it doesn't really attempt an original spin, but it does milk the effective elements for all their worth. It takes what works to the next level, and if Unfaithful is anything, it's probably the one of its kind that pulls the fewest punches. For a movie to succeed, without the advantage of being something new and original, it's really got to go the extra mile. That much was accomplished in many ways, and that's why there is mostly positive reaction to Unfaithful. It is, for the most part, a movie that keeps your attention by slapping you in the face just often enough. The movie is effectively in the hands of Diane Lane for the most part, and she pulls it off well. Not until later in the film do we spend close to equal time with the other main characters, so it is her that keeps our interest. Her lover, the French book dealing gentleman who sweeps her off her feet, is the one element that could threaten to strip some credibility from the film, but he doesn't. His performance in the film is solid, and much better than it appears in the trailers, where alternate takes of scenes were used. Yeah, the delivery you'll see in those trailers sounds unappealing, but it is a combination of both material that wasn't used, and the way it was cut together for the previews that makes it that way. In the film, the characters are effective and quite memorable. What was most impressive by the end is Richard Gere's performance. Adrian Lyne was able to work with Gere to create an emotional performance from a character very effectively, and efficiently. Gere's screen time really doesn't compare to Lane's until quite awhile into the film.
The only real downside to Unfaithful, and the only thing will keep some seats empty, is hard to avoid. Many have already made up their mind and they are right to notice that this is not an original concept. It's a common thing these days, to have films that are very closely based on an already successful formula. This year more than ever, there are some really good, solid films out there that are heads and shoulders above so many others, but also very similar to those same pictures. Unfaithful is like that, similar to many movies that any seasoned viewer has already seen, but it really is good despite that. The reason Unfaithful overcomes the challenge of winning us over, despite having such a recognizable face, is basically to go farther than its predecessors. It's pretty graphic at times, and doesn't stop short of becoming uncomfortable at times, in a way that serves the story. Unfaithful works because it so effectively captures the emotion of the cheating wife, the suspicious and ultimately crushed husband, and... that French guy. The feelings the characters experience are so palatable we feel for them, for good or bad. For the most part, there are no completely sympathetic characters in the film, which perhaps makes them more believable, and the story more realistic. So it works, and works well. Enhanced by a style of directing both fresh and varied throughout the movie (Lyne shows great range in this single film, using different styles as the story takes a new direction at several points), Unfaithful will not let you down; especially recommended for anyone who hasn't seen very many thrillers out there. There are plenty you can skip in favor of this one, and anyone who doubts that should give it a shot. Adrian Lyne has managed to capture exactly what was required to pull it off, making Unfaithful another notch on a belt he should be proud to wear.
The only real downside to Unfaithful, and the only thing will keep some seats empty, is hard to avoid. Many have already made up their mind and they are right to notice that this is not an original concept. It's a common thing these days, to have films that are very closely based on an already successful formula. This year more than ever, there are some really good, solid films out there that are heads and shoulders above so many others, but also very similar to those same pictures. Unfaithful is like that, similar to many movies that any seasoned viewer has already seen, but it really is good despite that. The reason Unfaithful overcomes the challenge of winning us over, despite having such a recognizable face, is basically to go farther than its predecessors. It's pretty graphic at times, and doesn't stop short of becoming uncomfortable at times, in a way that serves the story. Unfaithful works because it so effectively captures the emotion of the cheating wife, the suspicious and ultimately crushed husband, and... that French guy. The feelings the characters experience are so palatable we feel for them, for good or bad. For the most part, there are no completely sympathetic characters in the film, which perhaps makes them more believable, and the story more realistic. So it works, and works well. Enhanced by a style of directing both fresh and varied throughout the movie (Lyne shows great range in this single film, using different styles as the story takes a new direction at several points), Unfaithful will not let you down; especially recommended for anyone who hasn't seen very many thrillers out there. There are plenty you can skip in favor of this one, and anyone who doubts that should give it a shot. Adrian Lyne has managed to capture exactly what was required to pull it off, making Unfaithful another notch on a belt he should be proud to wear.