Intimacy (2001)

A failed London musician meets once a week with a woman for a series of intense sexual encounters to get away from the realities of life. But when he begins inquiring about her, it puts their relationship at risk.

Director:

Patrice Chéreau

Writers:

Hanif Kureishi (stories), Anne-Louise Trividic,

Stars:

Mark Rylance, Kerry Fox, Susannah Harker

6 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mark Rylance	...	Jay
Kerry Fox	...	Claire
Susannah Harker	...	Susan, Jay's wife
Alastair Galbraith	...	Victor
Philippe Calvario	...	Ian
Timothy Spall	...	Andy
Marianne Faithfull	...	Betty
Fraser Ayres	...	Dave
Michael Fitzgerald	...	Bar owner
Robert Addie	...	Bar owner
Deborah McLaren	...	Student at the drama school
Rebecca Palmer	...	Pam, girl in squat
Greg Sheffield	...	Jay's son
Vinnie Hunter	...	Jay's son (as Vinni Hunter)
Joe Prospero	...	Luke, Claire's son

Storyline

Jay, a failed musician, walked out of his family and now earns a living as head bartender in a trendy London pub. Every Wednesday afternoon a woman comes to his house for graphic, almost wordless, sex. One day Jay follows her and finds out about the rest of her life (and that her name is Claire). This eventually disrupts their relationship.

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Plot Keywords:

musician | pub | sex | bartender | sexual manipulation | 

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Taglines:

Every Wednesday, She meets once a week.

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Genres:

Adult | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content and language

Details

Country:

France UK Germany Spain

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 March 2001 (France)

Also Known As:

Intimidad

Filming Locations:

Ealing Studios, Ealing, London, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$33,808 (USA) (19 October 2001)

Gross:

$103,440 (USA) (26 October 2001)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Téléma, StudioCanal, arte France Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Patrice Chéreau originally wanted Gary Oldman for the lead role, but he turned it down because of the sex scenes. The actor helped him with showing different locations in London.

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Quotes

Ian: You know when you're with someone there's only a very short time when you can really give each other things for free... with neither of you having to ask. Because later on all you do is make demands of each other. Perhaps the only difference between her and all the rest is that she's asking you for nothing.

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Connections

References Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em (1973)

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Soundtracks

"Shack Up"
(1976)
Performed by A Certain Ratio
Composed by Moses Daniel, Joseph Carter

User Reviews

Harrowing but well worth watching

I just saw this film in Paris, mainly attracted to it by Mark Rylance and Kerry Fox, who are consistently terrific actors.

Looking at the other comments issued so far, I guess that most of the attention given the film will be on the graphic sex scenes, but in general they contributed well to the overall story of lost people looking for some connection in their lives, which in a city like London (as it is filmed) seems impossible. Still, I have no idea how a sexually repressed country like Britain will pass this film without cuts. It will be intriguing to see the infantile controversy that this film will ignite in the media when it plays here.

I wouldn't recommend this film for those who are used to fast-paced stories and quick-fire dialogue. I never found the pacing too slow but you have to watch everything carefully to feel the full impact of the movie.

If you have ever had a passionate but ultimately painful affair, this film will throw up all those feelings that you thought you had forgotten.