Though extremely predictable and little too happy-go-lucky, Married Life was surprisingly impressive as it played to the strengths of its cast and story; never outdoing itself and always relying on instinct over theatrics.
Harry Allen and his wife Pat are happily married, and have been for years, at least that is what they want you to think. In reality, Harry has found the courtship of a younger, more romantic gal by the name of Kay Nesbitt (Rachel McAdams) to be just what the doctor ordered. Reviving his lost youth and bringing to the forefront his sensual romanticism, Kay is good for Harry. But there is one problem; Harry can't bring himself to hurt Pat and therefore plots to kill her. But things never go according to plan as Harry's girl-playing friend, Richard (Pierce Brosnan) is also in love with Kay, and would have immaculate pleasure in stealing her from Harry's grasping hands.
It has been almost two years since the amazing talented Rachel McAdams took the world by storm in her string of hits, and I feel fortunate to say that the rising star shines a little brighter with her portrayal of an emotionally troubling widow who falls for an older man. Her posture, tone and body language are all showcased effortlessly, leading us all down a path of maturity and growth.
But don't get me wrong, it wasn't just McAdams that helped bring this story to life. In on the effort were Chris Cooper, Pierce Brosnan and Patricia Clarkson, three stand out actors who all performed to flawless perfection. Chris Cooper and Patricia Clarkson convey a husband and wife, in love, yet missing a vital link in both communication and affection. And while their dialogue shows them as a happily married couple, their body language tells the truth as neither can find a commonality in which to base their relationship on. Both actors bring their characters to life, creating awkward moments and moments of deception, ultimately forcing the audience to become enthralled with their relationship and thus bound within the walls of the film.
And then there is Peirce Brosnan who plays the backstabbing Richard. Used as a storyteller more than anything, Richard's point of view becomes prevalent throughout the story, yet his innocent take on love, life and the sacrifices of getting what you want make him relatable, almost likeable. The audience has no choice but to listen to Richard as he convinces himself that his actions are merciful, ones of love and not of deception, yet as time progresses you find yourself feeling for Richard, wanting things to end happily for both couples.
In the end the story is a complex one, a complex one that holds a standard of simplicity. The characters are strong and the story is complete; however, I have to admit that I wasn't fond of the ending. There were so many roads that could have provided for a dead-end or roadblock and instead, the script allowed those involved to continue truckin� along as if nothing and no one had ever gotten in their way. But even with that said, I enjoyed the film and feel that you will too.
