Intermission: 'Unfaithful' proves subtle, unnerving fare

"Unfaithful"

Directed By: Adrian Lyne

Starring: Diane Lane, Richard Gere, Oliver Martinez

Rated: R

It goes without saying that after films such as "Fatal Attraction," "9 and 1/2 Weeks," and "Lolita," director Adrian Lyne is no stranger to the world of psycho-sexual subject matter.

His latest feature, "Unfaithful," may be his most subtle and unnerving work yet. There's a sense of being uncomfortable throughout the entire film, but Lyne never takes us over the top into the utter histrionics that a screenplay such as this easily could.

Richard Gere has never been better, and Diane Lane proves once again she is one of the most talented, and utterly beautiful, actresses working today. She is entirely believable, engaging and entertaining to watch.

Her first film (when she was a pre-teen) was the touchingly sweet " A Little Romance." Since she matured, the high point of her career has been in "A Walk on the Moon," with a role somewhat similar to the one she plays here. I always feel she's an underused jewel, but her bio lists no less than 46 films (a few are TV movies), so I guess she works more than I suspected.

Here she plays Connie Sumner, a happily married woman who has an accident one afternoon that will change her life forever.

After getting blown down and scuffing her knee, she takes refuge in the apartment of Paul Martel, a scruffy, artistic Frenchman who immediately sweeps her off her feet and right into his bed. Connie's marriage is happy and secure. Her husband Edward (Richard Gere) is loving and faithful.

"Unfaithful" strays from the norm of the usual films that give us an obvious reason for one party to be cheating on the other. Here there is no such problem.

Connie's indiscretion is simply an affair of the heart; one she feels guilty about and we, the audience, are drawn into her perspective. We, too, know what's she's doing is inherently wrong, but we understand her reasons for doing it. Lane's performance is absolutely perfect and draws the viewer into the world she inhabits.

As she continues her affair, we are gradually introduced to her husband Edward, a hardworking guy who still manages to maintain time for his family. One of the things that is so intriguing about this film is the fact that it never relies on stereotypes.

The Sumners have what looks to be a perfect marriage. While Ed works hard and Connie has a full plate, too, their life together with their kid seems to be a match made in heaven. But needs have to be fulfilled.

Edward is no dummy and realizes something is going on, so he hires a private detective to keep an eye on Connie.

When he discovers the truth, he confronts Paul. As happens in films such as this, violence ensues. The "winning" party has a tough time disposing of the evidence, and the final act of "Unfaithful" presents its most tense moments.

The climax is a treat, and so unlike typical Hollywood fare. Lyne is a big enough name to get things done his way and does so here.

If you're a fan of "Fatal Attraction" you will love "Unfaithful," which, as far as I'm concerned, is a much richer piece of filmmaking. And there's even a "bunny" scene here, too.

(Jim Wunderle works at Associated Video Producers and is a Springfield free-lance writer and musician.)