MARRIED LIFE. Dir Ira Sachs. 2007

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Stylish, melodramatic story about the perils of desire, with elements of noir and dark humour.

Harry (superbly played by Chris Cooper) is married to Pat (Patricia Clarkson) but his contented home life with her lacks romance. He falls for young, sweet Kay (Rachel McAdams) and decides that he will have to kill his wife to spare her the pain of him leaving. Cue an element of farce.

Neither scheming nor worldly, McAdams’ femme fatale is an innocent, but she is still the prize that can drive a man to commit murder in order to claim her. Pierce Brosnan plays Harry’s deceptive, predatory male friend, out to steal the girl, and he narrates the voiceover as homage to 40s and 50s suspense movies.

Deftly handled by Sachs, wonderfully shot, and beautifully styled in 1949 sepia tints, beiges and greys, post-war neat and tidy corporate America is a real treat. Period detail and accessories are spot on. Quality film-making, delightful intrigue and great fun, all in one package.

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