Innocence (2000): Dir: Paul Cox / Cast: Julia Blake, Charles Tingwell, Terry Norris, Marta Dusseldorp, Robert Menzies: Intriguing concept with a disgraceful outcome. Title certainly doesn't do the material justice. There is nothing innocent about adultery, however there is something intriguing about unions formed after a celebrated past. A couple are reacquainted after thirty years. He is windowed and she is unhappily married. It is not difficult to guess the sexual escapade that follows. It is a film about two individuals reclaiming a passion they once had but it is the husband who earns sympathy. Director Paul Cox establishes past and present shots with great skill but the screenplays is weak compared to the talent accompanying it. Julia Blake does an excellent job at mirroring her emotional state. She is unhappy but revisiting what once was brings certain youthful significance. Can we call this happiness or just an illusion that concludes reality. Charles Tingwell is guilty to pursue the affair but again he returns to youthful yesterdays where he felt alive. Terry Norris as the ill tempered husband tries to correct his mistakes but ultimately becomes the victim. Other characters include Tingwell's concerned daughter who believes that he is in over his head. It presents an interesting theme of recaptured passion but might have worked better had Blake not been married thus leaving the innocence within. Score: 6 / 10
Review of Innocence
