Married Life

In the tradition of Todd Haynes’ acclaimed 2002 film Far From Heaven, which was, in turn, an homage to the Douglas Sirk-directed melodramas of the ’50s and ’60s, Married Life plops marital discord into a stew of Hitchcock-style mystery, lurid soap opera, dark humor and domestic drama. Set in 1949, the movie showcases Oscar-winner Chris Cooper as a successful businessman plotting to kill his wife (Patricia Clarkson) in order to live happily ever after with a blond hottie (Rachel McAdams). Meanwhile, Cooper’s bachelor friend (Pierce Brosnan) gets in the middle of everything when he also becomes attracted to McAdams. Director Ira Sachs (Forty Shades of Blue) gets the most out of his fine ensemble cast and beautifully realized period surroundings, presenting a saga of sex, lies and deceit that might have been more compelling (and saleable) if it had a little more erotic juice (and an R rating, perhaps).

Shelf Talk: Despite decent reviews, the film’s limited theatrical run will make it a project for retailers, but one that’s well worth taking on. Married Life’s cast is certainly attractive to both mainstream audiences (Brosnan, McAdams) and arthouse followers (Cooper, Clarkson), as is its stylish approach to the material. Also worth noting is the film’s period setting, snappy dialog and continuous cigarette smoking, which might remind viewers of the hit TV series Mad Men.