Props for Originality and Bravery

Have you ever seen a movie like this? Come to think of it, that could be said of almost everything directed by Adrian Lyne — even the bad ones. He’s made some terrible flicks (9-1/2 Weeks was the biggest nothing ever to hit the water cooler), but they’ve all pushed boundaries. His best (Fatal Attraction, Infidelity) remained mostly plausible throughout. If you’ve ever wondered what directors actually do, this guy’s works shows it: he helps actors understand what their character’s intentions are, and why they think and do things, turning the implausible into believable.

As with Infidelity — the most similar flick (though not really), there’s no explanation given for the woman’s behavior. She just is, and never explains or apologizes. And this makes my favorite Affleck — tremendous passive aggression coupled with authority. I knew what it meant when he first said, “I killed him. With a hammer.” But even so I wondered where it would get to, knowing that with Mr. Lyne at the helm I couldn’t be sure. I wanted to know while at the same time didn’t want it to end.

Though it’s not entirely successful (the denouement is a bit convenient), I give it top props for bravery. The ending is fantastic and really fuels discussion. Who says studio pics can’t have a real ending? All you need is a prime director with final cut.