Harry Allen (Oscar winner Chris Cooper) seems to have it all: a respectable job, a beautiful home in an affluent suburb, and a great relationship with his wife, Pat (Patricia Clarkson). That is, until he informs his old friend Richard (Pierce Brosnan) that he's fallen deeply in love with a young widow and plans to leave Pat to be with her.
Dubious but intrigued at the idea of the woman who's reignited the passion in Harry's life, Richard goes along with his chum to meet Kay (Rachel McAdams), a glamorous blonde living a lonely life after the deaths of her mother and husband.
Richard is instantly smitten by Kay, and for the first time in his life the longtime playboy has to ask himself questions of conscience - is it really okay to be hankering after your friend's mistress?
Harry, however is torn up about the best way to tell his loving wife that their marriage is over, and his decision involved some unorthodox methods. Pat, meanwhile, may harbour some secrets herself behind that white picket suburban fence.Directed by Ira Sachs and based on a 1953 novel, Married Life bases itself on the strong, talented ensemble cast which it boasts. Clarkson and Cooper are particularly excellent, producing great performances with a lot lurking underneath the stiff façade of that era.
Part comedy, part relationship drama with a touch of film noir, Married Life is a homage to the movies of yesteryear. The sets and costuming are sumptuous and so lush - ladies, I guarantee you'll want to run out and by a red lipstick after watching this film!
The story could have done with a bit more kick to it, particularly at the end, but for the most part Married Life simmers along nicely, a tribute to the era and the excellent cast it boasts.