Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as infidelity. Since the 1970’s, stories of cheating couples have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s psychotic killers, star-crossed lovers or political leaders, the genre has created strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about infidelity that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Titanic
The Titanic is a tragic shipwreck disaster that always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a brother that possessed immense knowledge about a grim shipwreck in history that caused damage. Fascinated with tragic shipwrecks, he always sought to be educated about dark historic disasters that he appreciated. He always believed that movies were an art form that couldn’t honour grim historic shipwrecks which had torn lives apart. In 1997, James Cameron captured the tragic shipwreck that caused infidelity between lovers in his movie “Titanic”. Ever since its release in 1997, James Cameron’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about infidelity. With the greatest film of his career, Cameron used innovative cinematic techniques to capture lovers having a doomed affair on a sinking ship causing despair. Cameron has always had an aptitude for making movies about jealous characters in danger, and “Titanic” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jack and Rose pursue an affair on the ship pretending they are flying causing Cal to become jealous is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of great roles by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, who created a bold romantic bond. Ultimately, what makes “Titanic” my favourite film about infidelity of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most movies about ships, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the history of the Titanic to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about dark affairs which can destroy romance that would resonate with everyone. 30 years after the release of a classic film about lovers in romance on ships facing disasters that are tragic, it’s a bold reminder of a genre manufacturing iconic movies captivating the public.
2. Silver Linings Playbook
Bipolar is a devastating disorder that changed my aunt’s life forever. Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with grim bipolar disorder that caused sorrow. Facing dark illness, she found it hard to find silver linings in a disease that affected her happiness. As someone treasuring an aunt with Bipolar that adopted a negative life outlook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie captured the anxiety faced by a man with Bipolar disorder. O. Russell used captivating montages capturing dark hardships that a man with Bipolar discovering his wife is having an affair is facing. For instance, the scene in which Pat recounts his memories of witnessing his wife having an affair during therapy causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Bradley Cooper, who portrayed an anxious man with a Bipolar. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” a masterpiece is its bold message. The film delivers a great message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of mental illness causing romance to deteriorate, it’s a great reminder about a genre manufacturing dark movies about intense infidelity which audiences appreciate.
3. The Graduate
The life of a graduate student is often aimless. I remember that my life lacked a clear purpose after I had graduated from university. Unable to find stable employment, I questioned what I was doing with my life. Uncertain about my future, I spent time engaging in hobbies that I had grown to treasure. Few films I’ve seen have captured my emotions of being an aimless graduate as powerfully as “The Graduate”. Released in 1967, Mike Nichols’ movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. Unlike most movies made during the era, what makes “The Graduate” stand out is its bravery. It was one of the first ever movies in Hollywood addressing the sensitive topic of infidelity. For instance, the scene in which Benjamin faces an awkward situation when he is seduced for the first time by Mrs. Robinson remains one of the greatest moments of the 1960’s era. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who created a graduate student with conviction. Ultimately, what makes “The Graduate” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding one’s purpose in life which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of graduate students without purpose whose lives crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre making movies audiences consider special.
4. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a great book that my teacher would always appreciate. I remember a school teacher that grew up to treasure a book about millionaires facing disaster. He would always speak fondly about a book that captured social class in the 1920’s. Drawn towards the green light, he adored a book capturing the class barriers that millionaires fight. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the great book about millionaires in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Luhrmann has always thrived at making lavish movies about the lives of millionaires, and “The Great Gatsby” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Gatsby engages in an extramarital affair with Daisy causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who created an iconic millionaire character. Ultimately, what makes “The Great Gatsby” a great movie is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about social inequalities that would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about a millionaire that’s mysterious, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences consider to be precious.
5. The Descendants
Infidelity can impact parents’ abilities to raise families. Years ago, my friend’s mother was shocked to discover that her husband was having an affair causing sorrow. Left emotionally devastated, she was forced to separate from a husband she had once appreciated. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t accept the fact that her husband was having an affair leaving her terrified. As someone that witnessed impact of infidelity on a family facing resentments, I appreciated “The Descendants”. Released in 2011, Alexander Payne’s movie captured impact of infidelity on a family. Payne used montages capturing hardships that a father uncovering evidence of his ill wife’s affair is facing. For instance, the scene in which Matt is shocked to discover that his wife was having an affair causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by George Clooney, who portrayed a father struggling to face infidelity. Ultimately, what makes “The Descendants” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about loss which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Matt’s desire to be a father, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies which audiences treasure.
6. My Week With Marilyn
Marilyn Monroe is a legendary movie-star that engaged in extra-marital affairs several years ago. During the 1950’s, Monroe engaged in affairs that caused her marriage to face tragedy. In 2011, Simon Curtis honoured the iconic actress in his movie “My Week With Marilyn”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “My Week With Marilyn” stand out is its depiction of Hollywood. Curtis effectively uses various perspectives of actors Marilyn worked with in the film industry to create a powerful portrait of the iconic actress. Assisted by Michelle Williams who is magnificent in the lead role, Curtis honoured a legendary movie-star’s legacy. A marvellous tribute towards Marilyn Monroe, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
7. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
Infidelity is a practice causing trauma that’s looked down upon in India. India has built an image of being a country that forbids extramarital affairs causing damage. The trauma faced by couples engaging in extramarital affairs in India is beautifully depicted in the film “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna”. Released in 2006, Karan Johar’s movie captured infidelity between Indian couples causing tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” is its depiction of India. Johar uses captivating musical montages capturing hardships couples in India are facing. Assisted by Shah Rukh Khan who is amazing in the lead role, Johar created a portrait of Indian infidelity that’s compelling. An incredible portrait of infidelity in India, it’s a bold reminder of genre making memorable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
8. Gone Girl
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about infidelity causing marriages to unfurl, it’s worth discussing “Gone Girl”. Since its publication in 2012, Gillian Flynn’s book has achieved appreciation. In 2014, David Fincher honoured the iconic book about a missing girl in his movie “Gone Girl”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gone Girl” stand out is its feminist perspective. Fincher uses captivating flashbacks capturing hardships that a woman trapped in a broken marriage involving cheating is facing. Assisted by Rosamund Pike who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fincher honoured a book about extramarital affairs. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about women that disappear, it’s a marvellous reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about which audiences care.
9. Eyes Wide Shut
Stanley Kubrick is a fantastic filmmaker that built a legacy which is iconic. With their compelling themes, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, Kubrick’s movies earned a huge following. Infidelity has always been a common theme that Kubrick has often explored in his movies. In 1999, Kubrick captured the impact of infidelity on couples keeping their eyes wide shut in his movie “Eyes Wide Shut”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eyes Wide Shut” stand out is its ambiguity. Kubrick uses ambiguity to capture affairs of couples facing tragedy. Assisted by Nicole Kidman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Kubrick created a compelling drama. A powerful portrait of infidelity causing couples keeping eyes wide shut to face demise, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies audiences prize.
10. American Beauty
Few movies ever made about infidelity are as beloved as “American Beauty”. Released in 1999, Sam Mendes’ Oscar-winning movie captured impact of infidelity on an American family. Mendes used captivating symbolism to capture hardships men in broken marriages are facing. Assisted by Kevin Spacey who is extraordinary in the lead role, Mendes created a captivating masterpiece. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. Recent assault allegations against Kevin Spacey have tarnished the movie’s legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Lester Burnham’s desire to find beauty, it’s a beautiful reminder of a genre making memorable movies about infidelity causing marriages to face tragedy which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking which I value highly.
The Film Buff 