THE END OF THE AFFAIR — *** — Ralph Fiennes, Julianne Moore, Stephen Rea, Ian Hart, Jason Isaacs, Samuel Bould; rated R (sex, nudity, violence, profanity); Cinemark Jordan Landing Theaters; Loews Cineplex Broadway Centre and South Towne Center Cinemas.
It takes talent to make as modern a film as "The End of the Affair" seem so old-fashioned.
To be completely honest, it seems odd to be passing out a compliment like that to filmmaker Neil Jordan, considering that his past couple of efforts seemed to indicate his talents were on the wane (particularly the awful horror-fantasy, "In Dreams").
Yet this good-looking and subtly witty adaptation of Graham Greene's somewhat autobiographical novel can be seen as at least a partial comeback for the slumping writer/director.
However, it should be noted that the film's graphic depictions of sex are sure to upset some audiences. And the performances are very mannered (to the point of being aloof), and there's a chance some of the film's posturings could be misinterpreted as attacks on religion.
In the latter case, it certainly isn't true, as a testament of faith emerges as one of the film's two powerful themes. The other theme is the extremely destructive nature of jealousy, as personified by Maurice Bendix (Ralph Fiennes).
The object of the brooding author's affection is Sarah Miles (Julianne Moore), the neglected wife of his close friend, the kindly but dull civil servant Henry Miles (Stephen Rea).
Sarah and Maurice meet at a party for Henry and begin a tempestuous affair, heedless of the consequences. That is, until World War II — and fate, it seems — intervenes. During one of the couple's passionate encounters in London, Maurice is injured by flying debris when there is an explosion nearby during the Blitz.
And though he manages to survive, he soon wishes he hadn't, as she immediately breaks off their relationship without reason.
Maurice stews about the breakup for two years and imagines the worst scenarios to explain it. In fact, he's so unbelievably jealous that he hires a detective to track Sarah, believing she is having an affair with another man.
Obviously, that's not the only explanation for her actions. And wisely, Jordan has structured the plot like a mystery, so we don't find out her reasons until very late in the film.
That does require Jordan to use some tricky storytelling methods — such as starting the story in reverse order and then showing important scenes from both of the leads' perspectives. But for the most part, it's effective and gives us crucial insight into the characters' motivations.
Unexpected humor also helps, as Jordan tries to convey the ironic wit Greene was known for.
All that said, however, the film still might not have worked without believable chemistry between Fiennes and Moore. And their steamy scenes, explicit though they may be, are very convincing.
Of the two, Moore comes across as more sympathetic, and her performance is much warmer — though there is a reason for Fiennes' restraint, which is appropriate to his character.
On the supporting side, British character actor Ian Hart steals the few scenes he's in, playing the rather incompetent snoop Maurice hires.
"The End of the Affair" is rated R for graphic, simulated sex, male and female nudity, wartime violence (largely overheard) and scattered profanity.