Review of The End of the Affair (1999) by Gregory G — 12 Feb 2010
Julianne Moore is surpassingly beautiful in Neil Jordan's adaptation of Graham Greene's semi-autobiographic, romantic melodrama "The End of the Affair." Moore is Sarah Miles, the wife of a civil servant (Stephen Rea), who becomes the lover of her husband's friend, a writer (Ralph Fiennes), in World War II London.
Jordan adapted Greene's novel which explores the effects of Catholicism on love, jealousy, desire, and faith or the lack thereof. The movie's themes are spelled out, regrettably, in a narration by Fiennes.
More problematic, this is a rather listless love triangle. Rea comes across as a weakling who expresses no anger towards being a cuckold. Fiennes has played his part too often and, though he is effective, this is another bland, humorless performance.
With her long red hair and subtle, nuanced expressions, Moore pulls us inside Sarah's passionate feelings while being tortured by her Catholic faith. She is the reason to see the movie. Jordan is an atmospheric director and the striking cinematography by Roger Pratt gives the picture a much needed romantic longing.
Ian Hart is very funny in a brief role as a private investigator who works with his young son. With Jason Isaacs, Heather Jay Jones, James Bolam, Sam Bould.
This review of The End of the Affair (1999) was written by Gregory G on 12 February 2010.
The End of the Affair has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
