“Closer”, 2004
Director: Mike Nichols
This film, featuring Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, and Clive Owen, is a raw depiction of two couples whose relationships become complicated by their lies and affairs. It’s a study of the destructive power of desire and infidelity.
Starring: Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Nick Hobbs, Colin Stinton, Steve Benham, Elizabeth Bower, Rene Costa, Ray Donn;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Closer” on the website imdb.com
“The Other Woman”, 2014
Director: Nick Cassavetes
A lighter take on the subject, this comedy follows a woman who discovers her boyfriend is actually married. When she accidentally meets the wife he's been cheating on, they strike an unlikely friendship along with another of his affairs, teaming up to get their revenge.
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Don Johnson, Taylor Kinney, Nicki Minaj, David Thornton, Victor Cruz, Olivia Culpo;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “The Other Woman” on the website imdb.com
“Gone Girl”, 2014
Director: David Fincher
Directed by David Fincher and based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, this thriller unveils the dark sides of a seemingly perfect marriage. After Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing, his lies and deceit begin to unravel, leading to suspicions of his involvement in her disappearance. Infidelity plays a crucial role in the story's development.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit, David Clennon, Lisa Banes, Missi Pyle;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 149 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Gone Girl” on the website imdb.com
“American Beauty”, 1999
Director: Sam Mendes
This film examines the life of Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, who experiences a mid-life crisis that leads him to become infatuated with his teenage daughter's best friend, among other drastic changes in behavior including confronting the emptiness of his marriage due to emotional and physical distance.
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Suvari, Peter Gallagher, Allison Janney, Chris Cooper, Scott Bakula, Sam Robards;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “American Beauty” on the website imdb.com
“Fatal Attraction”, 1987
Director: Adrian Lyne
A classic thriller that has become synonymous with the dangers of extramarital affairs. After a married man, played by Michael Douglas, has a weekend affair with a woman (Glenn Close), she becomes obsessed with him, leading to increasingly unstable behavior.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, Anne Archer, Ellen Latzen, Stuart Pankin, Ellen Foley, Fred Gwynne, Meg Mundy, Tom Brennan, Lois Smith;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Fatal Attraction” on the website imdb.com
These films approach the theme of cheating from different angles, offering a wide range of perspectives on the subject. Whether through drama, thriller, or comedy, they reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our choices.
In the complex tapestry of cinematic storytelling, films about infidelity weave a particularly intricate pattern, capturing the raw essence of human emotion, morality, and consequence. From the simmering undercurrents of forbidden desires to the tumultuous storms of betrayal, these narratives delve deep into the heart of relationships, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about love, loyalty, and the human condition. Ultimately, through an array of perspectives ranging from the comedic to the tragic, these films serve not only as a reflection of societal norms and values related to fidelity but also offer a profound commentary on the complexities of intimate connections. They compel us to question the very nature of love and loyalty, leaving a lasting impact that resonates far beyond the closing credits. As IMDb continues to curate this compelling genre, it's clear that the allure of these stories is timeless—echoing the eternal struggle between heart and conscience, desire and duty.
