Separate Lies (2005)

“Secrets and discontent lie beneath the smoothest surface.”

Directed by Julian Fellowes and based on a novel by Nigel Balchin, “Separate Lies”, explores the tense love triangle that forms around London-based solicitor, James Manning (Tom Wilkinson), his much younger wife, Anne (Emily Watson), and the divorced upper-crust wastrel William Bule (Rupert Everett). It’s quite possible that James considers himself happily married, but there’s tension between James and Anne that stems from the autocratic distance he maintains.

James and Anne own a house in the country, and it’s here that Anne meets William at a cricket match. William and Anne begin an affair under her husband’s nose. When the husband of the Manning’s housekeeper is killed in a hit-and-run accident, James discovers his wife’s affair, and he also discovers some rather unpleasant truths about his own morality.

“Separate Lies” explores the complications that arise in the triangular relationship between James, Anne, and William. James is a predictable responsible sort, and he seems to stand in complete contrast to the snide William whose amorality is a blank space on his upper class horizon. Class is definitely scrutinized here–after all, the housekeeper’s husband is one of the dispensable plebs, and William isn’t about to even pretend to shed a tear. William is a truly marvelous character, for while James tuts over William’s abysmal morals, ultimately James really isn’t much better. This intense film examines James and Anne’s moral value system and then juxtaposes those ideas with their reactions to the tragedy. With a stellar cast, and great photography, this intense film focuses in on the fine details, and we understand the characters as they shed careless words and reveal their innermost thoughts and true natures when stripped of social conventions. If you enjoyed “In the Bedroom” then there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy “Separate Lies.”