peferguson Separate Lies (British – 2005) It was 1:30 AM CDT and I could not sleep. So I did the worst possible thing, according to sleep experts and turned on the TV. After a brief search of on demand fare, I noticed the British film starring two actors whom I greatly admire: Tom Wilkinson and Emily Watson. My interest was also tweaked by the fact that this was Julian Fellowes directorial debut. He is a much lauded writer and actor, known best for Downton Abbey, Gosford Park and From Time to Time. James and Anne Manning (Wilkinson & Watson) have recently moved into a country manor to get away from the city life, after living for years in a flat in London. A well-known and highly regarded barrister, David works long hours and arrives home after a train commute. Their marriage appears to suffer as Anne longs for a more social life, while James is curmudgeon and prefers isolation and rest from a stressful occupation. The onset of an accident involving a cyclist, who was the Manning's housekeeper's husband, and a large, black SUV, invades the Manning's lives. This deepens the plot-line of the film and an acquaintance, Tom Bule is implicated, well-played by Rupert Everett. There are some unexpected twists and turns, as the involvement of the Manning's cleaner, Maggie (Linda Bassett) becomes an imposing factor. A solid adult drama, Separate Lives requires attention to details. One is reminded of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot in the steady police work of Inspector Marshall (David Harewood). For those of us who tire easily of super hero and CGI laden cartoon- like flicks, Separate Lives satisfies the inner soul.

SnoopyStyle James Manning (Tom Wilkinson) is a moralistic London solicitor. He and his wife Anne (Emily Watson)'s housekeeper Maggie loses her husband after a hit and run while riding his bicycle. James had noticed a scratch on playboy Bill Bule (Rupert Everett)'s car. He accuses Bill who agrees to go to the police the next day. Then Anne confesses that she has been having an affair with Bill and was the one who was driving.The problem with the lie to the police is that James Manning is suppose to be a smart top lawyer. The first rule is shut up. There is no reason to lie for Bill's sake. Anne could always claim to not be the driver. Also it's hard to see why James would continue to fight for her. Whatever scandal that would arise from the truth would pale in comparison. These are powerful actors doing solid work. The basic problem is that I don't buy what James Manning is selling.

Kirpianuscus a delicate theme. and wise manner to explore it. delicate nuances. realistic levels of crisis. bitter slices of honesty. a fight. and the justice. a film who preserves the shadows of middle age. the dialog, the feelings, the need to be yourself, the other as wall and window. the marriage as cage because the pieces of another life style is answer of a long expectation. a film who could represent a splendid surprise. the acting, the script, the delicate science to explore the details. and the beauty of London who becomes more than stage/location of a drama who seems be more and more large and profound. a film about the options of an age. its results. its force. and the fragility of few people in search of happiness. short , a film about the roots of love.

ensaga There are so many more complexities to the plot of this wonderful thought provoking movie than just infidelity and cover-up of responsibility for the accident. I was struck by the initial seeming goodness of husband Wilkinson who wanted the driver, when he thought it was Everett, disclosed to the police, and the change of heart (and morals) when he learned it was his wife. As well, was he indeed good, and/or was he attempting to redeem self by allowing her to go with Rupert. Then, things switchedand SHE decided the right ting to do was admit that she hit him. Most importantly the theme of redemption (for the accident - for the infidelity - in her own odd, flawed way)is strongest in Watson's sickbed care for Everett. I believe that is why she undertook that effort.This seems to be a common theme in modern British novels: Brideshead Revisited, The End of the Affair come to mind. Love it.