Plot Summary  

Ed Sumner (Richard Gere) and his wife Connie (Diane Lane) appear to be happily married.  They live in a beautiful house with their young son in the suburbs of New York. The only thing they have to worry about is the value of their shares! Ed is devoted to his wife and son and the comfortable lifestyle allows Connie the freedom to get involved in fund raising while also looking after their son.

While shopping in New York, on a stormy day, Connie literally bumps into Paul Martel (Olivier Martinez) outside his apartment. She cuts her knee when she falls and Paul invites her into his apartment to get a plaster. She agrees and finds herself intrigue by the sexy Frenchman. Latter that day Connie finds herself obsessing over Paul… You just know that it will all end in tears!

  RATING  

2 STARS

Only if you have nothing better to do.

  Main Cast  

Richard Gere is Edward Sumner

Diane Lane is Connie Sumner

Olivier Martinez is Paul Martel

  Review  

This drama dwells on the emotions of Connie as she is torn between being faithful to her husband and embarking on an adulterous affair. She feels bad about the lies and betrayal but she is obsessed with Paul and can’t end the affair. The film explores the damage and emotions that lies, guilt and betrayal can bring and in this regard Richard Gere and Diane Lane are excellent. Unfortunately while well filmed and acted the movie drags and at times is painfully slow. Because of this it is hard to be interested in what happens, never mind caring for, or understanding, the characters’ feelings and emotions.

To make matters worse, the ending, which doesn’t come soon enough, is so unlikely that it becomes farcical.

Surprisingly this film left me with two lasting thoughts:

“… enjoy this moment, this moment is your life…”

“There is no such thing as mistakes only things you do and things you don’t do…” (If only this were true!)

Reviewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2002

  Director  

Adrian Lyne