Unfaithful (2002)

Director:

Adrian Lyne

Writers (WGA):

Claude Chabrol (film "La Femme infidèle" written by)
Alvin Sargent (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

10 May 2002 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

Where do you go when you've gone too far?

Plot:

A New York suburban couple's marriage goes dangerously awry when the wife indulges in an adulterous fling.

Plot Keywords:

Taxi | White Panties | Cuckolded Husband | Book Seller | Remake

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 3 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Diane Lane	...	Connie Sumner
Erik Per Sullivan	...	Charlie Sumner
Richard Gere	...	Ed Sumner
Olivier Martinez	...	Paul Martel
Myra Lucretia Taylor	...	Gloria
Michelle Monaghan	...	Lindsay
Chad Lowe	...	Bill Stone
Joseph Badalucco Jr.	...	Train conductor
Erich Anderson	...	Bob Gaylord
Damon Gupton	...	Other businessman
Kate Burton	...	Tracy
Margaret Colin	...	Sally
Marc Forget	...	Café bartender
Larry Gleason	...	Tim
Dominic Chianese	...	Frank Wilson

Also Known As:

Infidèle (France)
Untreu (Germany)

MPAA:

Rated R for sexuality, language and a scene of violence.

Runtime:

124 min | Spain:125 min

Country:

USA | Germany | France

Language:

English | French

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

France:-12 | South Korea:18 | Iceland:16 | Portugal:M/16 | Argentina:13 | Australia:MA | Brazil:16 | Canada:14A | Finland:K-15 | Germany:16 | Hong Kong:III | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R16 | Peru:14 | Philippines:R-18 | Singapore:M18 (re-rating) | Singapore:NC-16 (edited for re-rating) | Singapore:R(A) (original rating) | Spain:18 | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:16 (canton of the Grisons) | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Dobbs Ferry, New York, USA

Company:

Fox 2000 Pictures

Trivia:

Brad Pitt and Ryan Phillippe were offered the role of Paul. However during pre-production, the producers decided that Paul be French rather than American, so Olivier Martinez received the part.

Goofs:

Errors in geography: Edward's detective friend tells Edward that Paul lives at "433 Mercer Street, apartment 3." However, in the scene in which Paul and Connie meet, the address of the building directly across from Paul's apartment clearly reads, "69 Mercer Street," so Paul's building cannot be 433 Mercer (this address does not exist). In fact, the address of the exterior location for Paul's apartment is 70 Mercer Street.

Quotes:

Connie Sumner: Be happy for this moment, this moment is you life.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Best! Movies! Ever!: Sex Scenes (#1.5)" (2007)

Soundtrack:

Music From Futurama

La Femme Infidèle

I wasn't expecting much from 'Unfaithful' as I thought it would be another 'The Perfect Murder' type thriller. But 'Unfaithful' is so much more than what 'The Perfect Murder' could ever be. It's deeper. It's darker. It has so many psychological layers. It's more a character driven drama rather than than plot driven. The plot may not be exactly original but it's the influence of it on the characters is what 'Unfaithful' is about. The film is very engaging as we witness the psychological effects of the consequences of Connie's decision. Lyne deserves praise for his excellent artistic execution. I loved how he used symbolism (such as metaphors and pathetic fallacies) and shows great attention to detail as is evident in the visuals. The editing is clear cut. Biziou's cinematography is great and Kaczmarek's score sets the tone. Note that during the key moments, when the main characters are conversing, the background music is absent. Richard Gere and Olivier Martinez, though a little too old, do decent jobs. However, it is Diane Lane who gives a career-defining performance. Her sublime portrayal of the incredibly sexy Connie is awesome. She carries the film. It is Diane Lane and Adrian Lyne's film. 'Unfaithful' is a magnificent engaging artistic drama. I don't understand why some were even harsh enough to call it soft-core. Do they even know the definition of soft-core? Others seem to have a problem with why Connie, who had the perfect life, would have an affair. But I feel it necessary to stress that nobody is perfect and therefore the perfect life does not exist. Connie's affair wasn't a planned thing. Who knows why it happened? Perhaps she wanted to feel younger, perhaps she was bored, or perhaps she wanted more from her husband. I don't think it was with the intention to ruin her 'perfect' life. There doesn't have to be a clear reason...as affair's don't necessarily happen for the best reasons.