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The year is 1939. England is at war. And a tumultuous love
affair is about to begin that will carry a tragic price tag.
In The End of the Affair, Oscar winner Neil Jordan brings
Graham Greene's powerful story of love, betrayal and sexual jealousy to
the screen. The film stars Oscar nominees Ralph Fiennes, Julianne Moore
and Stephen Rea.
A passionate woman trapped in a sterile marriage, Sarah
Miles (Julianne Moore) is immediately and irresistibly attracted to
brooding novelist Maurice Bendrix (Ralph Fiennes) when they meet at a
party given by Sarah's worthy but unexciting civil servant husband, Henry
(Stephen Rea). They begin a passionate, illicit and sexually liberating
love affair.
But during the Blitz in London, Bendrix's house is hit by
a bomb while the couple are in bed, and he is nearly killed. Inexplicably
and without warning, Sarah breaks off the relationship. As for Bendrix, he
is utterly bereft.
Two years later, on a rainy night in 1946, Bendrix has a
chance meeting with Henry. Bendrix's obsession with Sarah is rekindled,
and he succumbs to his jealousy and arranges to have her followed. Haunted
by passionate memories of their affair, he reenters her life, confronting
once more the consuming love they had for each other. In a stunning
surprise admission, he will learn the reason for its annihilation.
Stephen Woolley and Jordan are producers on the film,
which is the 10th they have made together. The screenplay is by Jordan.
Co-producer is Kathy Sykes. The creative team, all of whom have worked
with producer Woolley and director Jordan before, include editor Tony
Lawson, ACE, production designer Anthony Pratt and director of photography
Roger Pratt, BSC.
The costume designer is Sandy Powell, who received a 1999
Oscar for her work on Shakespeare in Love. Music is composed and conducted
by Michael Nyman. The film also stars Ian Hart, Jason Isaacs, James Bolam
and Samuel Bould.
The End of the Affair, rated R, is now playing.
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