Cinema Review (From Penarth Times)

Cinema Review

Unfaithful (15) ***

THERE are two views film fans have of Darian Lyne. Either he is a master director with an eye for unique visual style, or simply a rip off merchant. Anyways, there's no denying he can produce the goods when he puts his mind to it, but can he produce them with Unfaithful?

Edward and Connie Sumner are a happily married couple with an eight-year-old son, and they share the typical American suburban lifestyle. When Connie accidentally meets Paul, she falls for his charms. Soon they have a sexual relationship behind Edward's back, but Edward becomes suspicious.

Here, Richard Gere fights for his life because he knows that his recent strong of flops have badly damaged his credibility. His survival effort then, is good enough to forgive him for his many turkeys, but in terms of acting ability, the credit must go to Diane Lane.

She puts in a gutsy and daring performance and flows through a series of many different emotions. You would think she would win an Oscar for it, but will she get one? No. Why? Because the film simply isn't good enough.

Maybe that's an unfair statement because the film doesn't make you leave the cinema unsatisfied, but it does make you want more. The script is tight all the way but it does drag on painfully during a few scenes near the end.

Lyne struggles to set the right tone but apart from that, he does a good job.

Why the film is released in a summer of blockbusters is beyond belief, but it's worth a look. I just kept wanting that 'bit more' though.

However, it wasn't a bad way to end my job as a Penarth Times film critic as this is my final review.

Thanks then to the B&D for giving me the opportunity and thank too to all you readers. Cut!