Reviewed by Chloe Deng
Stars Liam Neeson, Antonio Banderas, Laura Linney, Romola Garai,
Pam Ferris | Written by Richard Eyre & Charles Wood, based on the short story by Bernhard Schlink
UK certification 12 | UK RRP £15.99 | DVD Region 2 | Runtime 84 minutes | Directed by Richard Eyre
Liam Neeson stars as Peter, a husband who discovers that his wife of twenty-five years Lisa (Laura Linney) was having an affair before she died. Stereotypically, he discovers this when he misses a call on her mobile phone and listens to the voicemail message left. Peter then searches her laptop for photographs and e-mails. Infuriated, he eventually decides to embark on a journey to kill her lover Ralph (Antonio Banderas). Peter tracks Ralph in Milan (a little too easily) and befriends him, listening to stories of the affair.
The film successfully flits back and forth between the past and present in order to illustrate the discussions between Peter and Ralph. Ralph is clearly desperately in love with Lisa, their love affair having spanned twelve years. He admits that he is a fantasist, dressed in neat suits from the past despite working in any job. He is the opposite of Peter, but quite happy with himself. Meanwhile, Peter becomes increasingly infuriated.
The trailer promises a fast-paced thriller but instead we have a slow burner that essentially builds up to nothing. The climax of the film is unexpected and calm. Ralph portrays a lot less emotion than expected considering he has lost the love of his life. It is particularly surprising because it should be when his fantasy life breaks down.
The film’s characters are clearly complex and well developed, but this is not portrayed well on screen. The performances of the actors should be well received and are definitely of the standard you would expect from them. Neeson’s performance is level headed, comfortable yet highly emotional. Banderas is the perfect opposite, charming, eager yet reserved in all emotions but love. Linney’s performance of Lisa in her final days is particularly moving despite there being little dialogue. Her expressions illustrate Lisa’s torn mixed emotions in coming clean about the affair. Romola Garai's portrayal of Abigail, Peter and Lisa's daughter, is particularly brilliant, convincingly supportive and confused, whilst adding another layer to Neeson's character.
The premise of the film was something brilliant, deep and interesting – the person you loved was someone you never knew/ can you love more than one person? The other necessary pieces, the right actors, locations and atmosphere are also there. It is the direction, production and general poor execution that let’s this film down. Even after a second viewing, I still feel that this is a film that had so much potential to become so much more than what it is.
EXTRAS ** Trailer and interviews with Neeson, Linney, Banderas, Garai, the director, producers, production designer, director of photography and costume designer.