Posted: 04/27/2004

The Affair

(2004)

by Alexander Rojas

In most marriages, when a spouse is involved in an affair it is commonly thought to be the husband committing adultery. The reasons for such actions tend to be a variety of excuses all too common and many times amusing. Carl Colpaert’s The Affair tells the story of a spousal affair that involves a wife committing the act of adultery for reasons that in her perspective justify her actions. This wife is Jean (Kelsey Oldershaw) who after she has grown apart from her husband, Paul (Horatio Ledon), struggles with her current place in life and lack of emotional support and affection from him. It was only a matter of time that Jean’s frustration and anger would steer her away from Paul and into the trailer of free-spirited Viggio (Andy Mackenzie). His open-minded attitude and day to day living attracts Jean for the meantime, but as circumstances grow more serious Jean finds herself at crossroads in her relationship with both men.

The Affair makes efforts to address the consequences of extra-marital affairs and the motives behind them. It however doesn’t force reasons for them, but rather attempts to explore the characters of this particular story. Jean is more than just a cheater. She’s a woman who has suffered several tragedies in her past that have rendered her emotionally scarred with little support. Viggio relates to her with a similar troubled upbringing that forced him to face the world mostly alone. Not much is known of Paul’s background except for his emphasis on his career that has lead him to be the success that he is.

The cast work well together and seem even stronger when all three are together on screen. The only drawback to the film is the mediocre performances of supporting characters (except for Viggio’s mother). The police/detectives are mostly dreadful although they have a short on-screen time. However, once they’re gone, the film picks up again and the rest of the cast do a fine job for the rest of the film.

Alexander Rojas is a filmmaker and writer in Chicago.

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