The Other Man

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source: The Other Man

Liam Neeson tries to find out about Antonio Banderas, the man who was having an affair with his wife, played by Laura Linney. Good small scale film from Richard Eyre that is more the cinematic equivalent of a meaty short story. Based on a short story this is a film that mimics the the feel and texture of the short narrative that seems to have fallen out of favor these days. Personally I was initially put off by the film because it didn't behave as I thought it should. I wasn't willing to give myself over to the rhythms of the film, which was a mistake since the film moves and behaves in its own literary way. What you think is going on is not what is going on and everything isn't revealed until the end. It wasn't until some time around the hour mark that the film suddenly clicked with me and not only did I start to enjoy it, but I also realized that my fighting it had kind of lessened the experience since I had missed so man little bits that I will now have to go back and re-watch the film to fully get the full effect. If you want an intelligent film and decry the lack of smart films this is it (just don't be like me and fail to embrace it when you see it.) I have to say that this is extremely well acted, I don't know when Banderas was last this great. Neeson is just as good, as is the rest of the cast, but its Banderas who truly shines here and its quite possible that you have to go all the way back to his days in Spain to find a film role that allows him to really shine and expose his acting chops. I really liked this a great deal and recommend it to anyone wanting a meaty small film that is intelligently made. (Though I will be honest and say that it is possible that I admire this more than I like it. We'll see how I feel when I see it again)

This film did have one or two flaws I must point out. When Peter first finds out about the infidelities, he starts blatantly showing everyone he's going a little crazy, asking for a gun and all. And if he wishes to go and kill that guy, is it wise of him to ask his secretary book his flight? Apart from that I really liked this movie. I thought it very subtle and having many different layers to it. I loved the characters, some fine acting, and was shocked to find out she was dead, and that all her concerns earlier in the film were not necessarily due to the fact that she had a lover but death was the one. I found it interesting how Ralph, although his life was rather unstable, had a more positive approach to life, even on a passionate level. While Peter, settled in his marriage and well off financially, or oh well I don't, I guess that way he had more to lose.

Skipping through reviews before watching this film, I nearly decided to give it a miss. But I found out it was a miss for those negative reviewers who didn't get it. It's a hit, for me anyway. It's gutsy, deals with real emotions colouring them in hither and thither as the scenes flick by in a non linear time line. That may sound like it's complex - it isn't. You are taken on a journey focusing on Peter, his wife being the essential background to the story, with his wife's lover the foil on which they both tread. If you're looking for a stereotypical Hollywood scorned husband movie, move along, you'll find no joy here. This is real life in content, pace and dialogue. It's not boring, its not slow and it is captivating. I dare any man who has been cheated on by the love of their life not to be deeply moved by this film. The same probably goes for women. As the story unfolds, there's another group of people that will be moved, and that's for you to discover. The ending is how it should be given the subject matter - some level of completion. And there's plenty to talk about afterwards. I'd love to say more but that would be giving away too much. Great acting by all, though Liam Neeson has, and holds firmly, the centre stage. I give this a low end of 9/10 if that's possible. Enjoy!

I always enjoy Liam Neeson movies and this is no exception. There is a similarity with TAKEN in that Neeson is a pursuer on the European continent, relentless and determined, although this time, he had the female head of security at his work to help him go on the trail of Banderas in Milan. Terrific shots of Milan especially when Ralph walks across the Piazza to the Chess Cafe. Don't think the story jumps too much or too fast, just enough for us to work things out. The ending got me stumped though, not sure how a man he was going to kill ended up pushing the hospital bed of the wife and being present at the wake but I liked the creation of the character played by Banderas who we might have thought to be a business executive but was in fact a nobody opportunist. Fascinating analysis of emotion between Peter and Ralph in the dialogue exchanges. Reminded me of another similar love triangle which Neeson-Banderas made a couple of years ago (am I mistaken?) cos I cant remember the title and in a way Neeson kind of played a pursuer also in Five Minutes of Heaven, another glorious film showing Neesons talents. Must agree with earlier comment that the scene at the office going a bit crazy and asking for the gun was overplayed but it didn't spoil the film. thanks for the comment pointing out some of the filming was done in Ely. A very watchable thriller and not at all predictable. Plenty of talking points.

The Other Man was a movie that had intrigued me for a while due to its story lines, and the two main actors, considering I love both Liam Neeson and Banderas, but I avoided due to the critical reviews I read about it. Needless to say this is a movie that proves once more, that I tend to enjoy movies that critics seem to tear apart. I was absolutely fascinated by Liam Neeson's growing obsession of getting revenge on Banderas for having an affair with his widowed wife, it was intense and quite thrilling. But what I loved even more was the face to face sequences that Neeson and Banders had, they were heartfelt and emotional. This movie goes to show us how dangerous and hurtful affairs can be, and how the hurt one receives from it, can lead you into an obsession of darkness. Performances. Liam Neeson is utterly brilliant here. He was a man on a mission, and his intense performance had me on the edge of my seat, it's one of my favorite performances of his. Antonio Banderas is equally as good as the slick, yet caring character who wants Neeson's wife's heart, his charisma and charm is hard to beat. Laura Linney is great in her screen time as the widowed wife, I felt for her, even if she was wrong. Bottom line. The Other Man will stay with you for a while when it's all over. Don't be fooled by the somewhat lowish rating, this is an excellent movie on all accounts, and I classify it as a must watch!. 8 1/2 /10

My wife and I must have discussed this film for much longer than it took to view it and for that alone I am marking it high for surely to provoke thought and debate is what film making is all about. When reading other comments I realised how differently people viewed this movie. The Director,in my opinion,has been unfairly criticised for clearly many people find the frequent jumping from past to present confusing and irritating but without constant reference to past events the plot would have been dull and predictable. The acting, as you would expect from such an ensemble, was excellent as was the photography. While one commentator felt sorrow for the Linney character I felt nothing but contempt which is indicative of the full spectrum of emotions this film undoubtedly engendered.

In spite of an excellent cast, cinematography, and production values, something vital seems to have been left on the cutting-room floor. There are details that work quite well, such as-in one scene- Peter's slight Irish accent, which becomes more and more pronounced as he becomes more and more enraged. But for the story arc to work, a key piece of information has to be hidden-clumsily- until it can be trotted out at the most effective moment. When that moment comes, at first it doesn't make sense, then it just seems artificial and unfair. Maybe it won't seem that bad to you, but the twist undermined the story for me. If you can put up with that lack of authenticity, the characters are well-drawn and believable, and the locations are convincing.

WHY DID I NOT FALL ASLEEP? I was pretty excited when I saw the trailer to this movie. The trailer to this film makes it seem that there may be a degree of action or murder. If I have learned one thing through my movie career... good trailers can often lead to crap films. There is not one single moment of action in this film. If you are looking for an action or suspense movie, this is neither. The writing was not impressive, and you feel lost throughout most of the film. I am a fan of most of the actors in this movie, but the plot just doesn't let their reputations or characteristics shine whatsoever. An epicly God awful ending. Waste of my time. All I can do is tell you, not a damn thing happens in this movie. It all leads up to nothing.