Julianne Moore and Ralph Fiennes in "The End of the Affair."

MOVIE INFORMATION

With 10 as a must-see, Jack gives this film a: Stars: Ralph Fiennes, Julianne Moore and Stephen Rea Director: Neil Jordan Rated: R, with nudity and sex Length: 105 minutes

ROCHESTERCRITIQUE

Having seen this film, how would you rate it? 10 5 9 4 8 3 7 2 6 1

By Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle

(Jan. 21, 2000) -- Deep moral dilemmas are so seldom at the root of modern films that the appearance of such a theme in The End of the Affair makes it especially enticing.

Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore co-star in Neil Jordan's beautifully crafted adaptation of Graham Greene's autobiographical novel about an illicit romance brought to an end by, of all things, a potent prayer.

The film is set in London in the early 1940s, as the shell-shocked city struggles under the Nazi blitz. Fiennes is Maurice Bendrix, a handsome, brooding novelist. Moore as Sarah Miles, his lovely, passionate lover, and Stephen Rea is Sarah's cuckolded husband, Henry, a dull but decent civil servant.

As the film opens, Maurice reflects back with resentment and anger at the recent end of a long, intense affair: Sarah had called it off without an explanation. Just as Maurice is struggling to move on with his life, he runs into Henry -- who was always a casual friend -- which reinforces Maurice's desire to discover why Sarah broke off the romance.

Ironically, Maurice helps Henry procure the services of a private detective, because Henry suspects the worse. Since Maurice is no longer the lover, he figures the detective may help him discover whether Sarah dumped him because of another illicit romance.

Maurice, meanwhile, recounts his affair in detailed flashbacks leading up to a key moment: After an afternoon of heated lovemaking, he barely escapes a blitz bomb. And the incident changes everything.

The End of the Affair is a sophisticated, literate, subtle gem, masterfully constructed by writer-director Jordan (The Crying Game, Interview With the Vampire). The pace is restrained but relentless; the period detail, muted colors and frequent rain effectively evoke the time and mood; and the performances are all first-rate.

Fiennes presents Maurice as an intelligent artist torn by frustration, while Moore portrays a Sarah whose passions are in conflict with her decency and religious belief. Irish actor Rea, a Jordan regular, brings a basic humanity to Henry without overplaying his hand for sympathy.

Ian Hart, meanwhile, is memorable in support as the matter-of-fact detective brought in to investigate the affair.

The End of the Affair artfully blends dark romance, potent eroticism and surprising spirituality to make it a truly adult film -- in the commendable sense of maturity, intelligence and sensitivity.