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 is immediately and irresistibly attracted to brooding novelist Maurice Bendrix when they meet at a party given by Sarah's worthy but unexciting civil servant husband, Henry. 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 re-enters 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.
The End of the Affair is arguably Graham Greene's most autobiographical novel, taking as its inspiration his adulterous love affair with American Catherine Walston, who was married to a wealthy farmer. The book is dedicated to her. Greene's biographer, Norman Sherry, has called their relationship "the greatest literary affair of this century."
Movie News
