Posted by Jan den Breejen on May 24, 2000 at 05:45:07:
Jan's movie reviews - End of the affair (2000)
Based on the 1951 autobiographical novel by Graham Greene.
On a rainy London night in 1946, novelist Maurice Bendrix (Ralph Fiennes) has a chance meeting with Henry Miles (Stephen Rea), husband of his ex-mistress Sarah (Julianne Moore), who abruptly ended their affair two years before. Bendrix's obsession with Sarah is rekindled; he succumbs to his own jealousy and arranges to have her followed. As the investigation progresses, we learn the reason for their separation. During a bombing raid, Sarah struck a bargain with God to sacrifice their relationship-in exchange for Bendrix's life. When Bendrix reappears in her life, Sarah realizes that her promise to God has become impossible for her to keep.
The characters analysed with DSM:
- Maurice Bendrix (played by Ralph Fiennes)
Introverted thinker, novelist, quiet observer. He is a bit paranoid; setting up an odd assignment for a private detective, whome he also tested. Psychotically distorted view of reality; he thinks that very unattractive Henry will be a serious competitor for his love for Sarah despite all the signs that's not the case. Negative emotions: hate towards god as if he is a real life person, jealousy, labile love feelings. This would make the diagnosis Idiosyncratic Style (DSM Schizotypical) the most likely.
- Sarah Miles (played by Julianne Moore)
Her natural talent in disguising for Maurice about what's really the case (her lethal illness), her spontanity, her impulsive need to get her emotional needs directly satisfied, her need of variety and (more) excitement in her marriage with 'boring' Henry; her adultery and intense enjoyment with sex; her quick wits when Henry almost discovers what's happening in the bedroom; her enjoyment of the roundabout at the fair; it are all little clues to her being a mild and sympathetic Adventurous Style (DSM Anti-Social) character. Also: 'I felt happy, I could FREE myself', and: 'I've only made two promises in my life…', 'Don't make a promise; (because) you have to live up to them' (non- committal). Also we can mention as clues her inclination to change her mind impulsively; her sudden love for God and her unconventional way of praying in church. Incidentally I yesterday tested an Adventurous style woman; which showed high Big Five scores on 'Altruism'/Feeling, and was not very extreme in character, but definitely had a 'don't fence me in' independent attitude; she was also creative. So; the lesson is that mild version of DSM characters must not be confused with the image of the extreme; she was (and Sarah is) are not 'Anti-Social' but definitely Adventurous independent and wanderlusty! Sarah had a talent for coloring things positive in her mind (rationalizing) which made her able to bear her illness with dignity; 'Love doesn't end because we don't see each other'
- Henry Miles (played by Stephen Rae)
Boring husband; Mr. Moody Blue, melancholic to the bone, cynical joke about Sarah's residu life period of 6 months. Living in the past; 'Is it that long?' . 'It's ridiculous!' Lonely rain-walker/sitter, suffering in silence. Depressive; zooming in on the negative side but also sharp analysis because of that inclination towards the 'sour'; 'Can't you see that what you have done is monstrous!', 'I can't live without her!'
- Mr. Parkis
The nervous, servile detective who allmost got a blackout when he is suddenly discovered by Maurice. 'I had a feeling of…': he is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), radar-like scanning the environment for dangers and reading between the lines. Worried about what others will think about him; 'Oh dear, I have made a fool of myself!' He's easily frightened by little things, loyal to familiar persons; he allways respectfully starts talking with the word 'Sir…'. He likes clear assignments and sticks to them; 'As has been obliged Sir!'
- Mrs. Smythe
A Self Sacrificing Style character, empathic in a soft and calm way (DSM Masochistic disorder)
- Lance
The boy looks Adventurous Style; foxy talent for getting into and out of situations. Perhaps a link with the disappearance of his wine stain spot on his face and the characterological resemblence with Sarah?
- Father
Perhaps Conscientious Style/Obsessive Compulsive character, unforgiving, non-emphatic, stern and rigid person.
That's all. Comments anyone?
Jan