Harry has a big surprise in store for his friend Richard. The invitation to lunch is only an excuse for Harry to reveal to Richard he is in love with another woman, Kay. At the same time, Harry confesses his doubts of how Pat, his wife, will take the news he will be leaving her. Harry strongly believes Pat is too dependent on him and the shock his betrayal will have on her. Harry wants to come clean to Richard, even introducing the young woman to his friend for what appears to be his approval. What Harry does not count on is that Richard will take a fancy to Kay!
Pat, the suburban wife, suffers from a bad stomach. The medicine she takes to relieve her problem presents an opportunity for Harry to plan to murder her. Richard is shocked when he finds Pat at their cottage in the company of another man. She also comes clean to Richard, who realizes Harry's guilt is unfounded and that Pat is much stronger than she is given credit for. Richard, who is the narrator of the story, is instrumental in triggering guilt in Harry's mind, when he catches Kay with the man he thought to be his real friend and makes him think twice before committing a crime that will carry a prison sentence.
Ira Sachs, the director of "Married Life" shows an affinity to the master of the melodrama, Douglas Sirk. The screenplay, co-written with Oren Moverman, has a style that makes the viewer recall that genre in which Mr. Sirk made valuable contributions. Mr. Sachs directed with an eye for style. The late 1940s are recreated faithfully in dining rooms for executives drinking dry martinis and smoking, as well as the decor of the era. The film is a mixture of melodrama and suspense as Harry concocts his plan to get rid of the situation he finds himself in. The film is based on a novel by John Bingham "Five Roundabouts to Heaven".
Chris Cooper plays against type. He is does not appear to be comfortable with the Harry he is supposed to portrait. Patricia Clarkson, on the other hand, proves here she cannot do wrong in anything she plays. Her Pat is another triumph for the actress. Pierce Brosnan makes an excellent Richard, working with great economy to show what this man is like. The only disappointment is Rachel McAdams who appears to be much younger for both the men she is to be attracted. Appearing as a blonde, she fits well in the context of the story even if one cannot believe for a moment she feels anything for either man in love with her.
Pat, the suburban wife, suffers from a bad stomach. The medicine she takes to relieve her problem presents an opportunity for Harry to plan to murder her. Richard is shocked when he finds Pat at their cottage in the company of another man. She also comes clean to Richard, who realizes Harry's guilt is unfounded and that Pat is much stronger than she is given credit for. Richard, who is the narrator of the story, is instrumental in triggering guilt in Harry's mind, when he catches Kay with the man he thought to be his real friend and makes him think twice before committing a crime that will carry a prison sentence.
Ira Sachs, the director of "Married Life" shows an affinity to the master of the melodrama, Douglas Sirk. The screenplay, co-written with Oren Moverman, has a style that makes the viewer recall that genre in which Mr. Sirk made valuable contributions. Mr. Sachs directed with an eye for style. The late 1940s are recreated faithfully in dining rooms for executives drinking dry martinis and smoking, as well as the decor of the era. The film is a mixture of melodrama and suspense as Harry concocts his plan to get rid of the situation he finds himself in. The film is based on a novel by John Bingham "Five Roundabouts to Heaven".
Chris Cooper plays against type. He is does not appear to be comfortable with the Harry he is supposed to portrait. Patricia Clarkson, on the other hand, proves here she cannot do wrong in anything she plays. Her Pat is another triumph for the actress. Pierce Brosnan makes an excellent Richard, working with great economy to show what this man is like. The only disappointment is Rachel McAdams who appears to be much younger for both the men she is to be attracted. Appearing as a blonde, she fits well in the context of the story even if one cannot believe for a moment she feels anything for either man in love with her.