The movie “Unfaithful” with Richard Gere and Diane Lane was released in 2002 and is arguably the best work of both of these actors. Diane Lane was nominated for best supporting actor Oscar and in my opinion, she should have won because her performance in this movie was so profound. 

Within the difficult art of screenwriting the mantra has always been, “show don’t tell”. The less said the better, show what is happening through subtext, subtle dramatic pauses and looks. Unfaithful has some of the best dramatic pauses, emotions and knowing glances that I have ever seen in any movie. No words are spoken, the best acting in this movie was all within the silence within the emotions that Connie, played by Diane Lane and Edward, played by Richard Gere as the emotional ride unfolds.

The story within this movie is obvious from its name. A happily married couple with a son has everything going for themselves.  But one day while in the Soho district of New York City, Connie runs into a French Book salesman Paul Martel, played by Oliver Martinez and the attraction for both of them is too strong for Connie to avoid cheating on her husband. What follows are numerous appointments at Paul’s Soho apartment and a scene on a train after one meeting where Connie just sits by herself,  remembering what happened at Paul’s apartment – one of the best examples of acting without saying a word, ever filmed. 

For those who have never seen this movie, I will not provide any spoilers as to how this great and far too common story of infidelity unfolds.  This movie is frequently on cable TV and is a must see for all who have never seen this great example of acting in the last 18 years.  I was also very surprised to realize the huge stupidity of the 50% ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, once again dead wrong. My rating is a solid 90%.