180 degree turn.

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2006)

Just saw this movie last night, and I have never been an overly enthusiastic Woody Allen fan.
Did not really know what to expect, but I do know Woody Allen more for his comedies and love of New York. So what is he doing making a drama in the UK? It's hard to say.
This movie started off as a drama full of infidelity and explores how much a man will risk to get what he wants. The main character, Chris Wilton, was annoying and totally compelling at the same time, and much of the credit for that goes to Jonathan Rhys Meyer (you will remember him from Bend it Like Beckham as the coach). His performance made me want to reach in and strangle him, and ask, "what the hell are you doing?" His best friend is his wife's brother, his father-in-law is supportive, and has set him up with a great job, and even his mother-in-law loves him. Yet, he is willing to risk it all for a bit of ass (Scarlett Johansson's, to be exact).
At times you want him to get caught having his affair, and yet, at the same time, you empathize with his wife, Chloe, played by Emily Mortimer, and you don't want to see her get hurt.
After about 3 quarters of the film, you start to believe that this is yet another of those movies where the main character heads toward self-destruction bringing down all those around him as well.
Then the movie turns on its head in such a subtle way that you almost miss it, and comes up with an ending that makes you uncomfortably comfortable (when you see it, you will know what I mean).
The first three quarters may seem slow, corny, unnerving, and unintentionally funny, but I found the ending was worth it.