After seeing the teaser trailer for this and having seen it at the video store (in those golden days of rentals), my mother and I decided to give this unknown film with big name stars a try. It’s certainly different, but if you’re not in the mood for anything brilliant, Married Life will satisfy your fancy for something new.
Married Life (2007) Film Review
In an era when it’s perfectly proper to be married to the same woman for years, Harry (Chris Cooper) has a problem. This he promptly shares with his best friend Richard (Pierce Bronson). Harry has met a lovely young woman whom he’s fallen deeply in love with and determines to be with. This because she loves him for who he is. The real trouble comes with what, and more importantly when, he should tell his wife, Pat (Patricia Clarkson). Richard advises Harry just keep this new girlfriend as a mistress… and then he meets his friend’s new girlfriend.
When Richard meets Kay (Rachel McAdams), he’s smitten from the first. As Rich gets to know her, he becomes fonder of her. Only the complication is greater considering his very married friend is her boyfriend.
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What ensues are love triangles, unexpected twists, deceit and four people who can’t seem to realize what is most important. Even with its big time stars and apparent recipe for success, this went straight to DVD far as I can tell. Set in the 1940’s or 50’s, Married Life does have unique qualities working for it. This unfortunately cannot excuse some of its themes.
The costumes, sets and acting are all fantastic. Bronson did become a favorite actor for a while. There was kind of this “movie phase” I went through that featured him in big roles; from Remington Steele (I mean, it’s classic TV, right?) to Mamma Mia! Rachel McAdams is one of those actresses that chooses her projects with care (or so I’ve read) and despite her enormous popularity, is also not an easy actress to get on a project. She gives a solid performance and maybe even is stronger or more comfortable than in her breakout role.
As we learn more about our leading characters it’s hard to pick a couple or even just one to root for. This is mainly because, they’re all somehow involved in this deception, and yet, no one seems willing to change. In Kay’s defense she’s not unfaithful although she knows about the marriage which is another thing altogether. Probably the easiest character to like is Richard who while not perfect, at least isn’t the same kind of dishonest. Plus, I’ll admit, Bronson’s usual on-screen charm makes him all the more amiable. There is this murder angle too, but I cannot say much lest it spoil anything.
Married Life is an entertaining way to spend the evening. The music is upbeat and perfectly suits the era and there are moments of complete surprise. This can look like a character’s restraint or a joyous sequence that allows the viewer to get momentarily lost. The ending is cute and by the conclusion we like everyone perhaps a smidgeon more. Still you wonder if the character’s really consider (and take) their own advice when Richard says, “Do you really want to build a life on another’s unhappiness?” Something they certainly should have thought of long before they began the shenanigans they end up in.
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Content: There is a brief sensual scene between a couple, they remain clothed. He lays on her, running his hand up her leg before someone interrupts. Another scene shows a woman lying in bed; we catch a brief glimpse of her backside (the camera doesn’t linger). There’s’ thematic elements that imply murder; a man plots to poison someone thinking it will omit unjust pain. There may be a handful of innuendos and profanities, but for the most part the verbal discussion is almost non-existent. The film is PG-13.
Photos: Sony Pictures Classics
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