Separate Lies (2005)

A couple's marriage is complicated by the introduction of a third party.

Director:

Julian Fellowes

Writers:

Nigel Balchin (based on the novel by "A Way Through the Wood"), Julian Fellowes

Stars:

Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Hermione Norris

1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Wilkinson	...	James Manning
Emily Watson	...	Anne Manning
Hermione Norris	...	Priscilla
John Warnaby	...	Simon
Rupert Everett	...	Bill Bule
Richenda Carey	...	Sarah Tufnell
Linda Bassett	...	Maggie
Christine Lohr	...	Nurse
Alice O'Connell	...	Maggie's Daughter
John Neville	...	Lord Rawston
Peregrine Kitchener-Fellowes	...	Bill's Son Charles
Henry Drake	...	Bill's Son Freddy
David Harewood	...	Inspector Marshall
Sabine Tourtellier	...	Receptionist
Philip Rham	...	French Lawyer

Storyline

A cyclist is killed, swiped by a Range Rover in a village lane. James and Anne Manning become involved because the victim is the husband of their cleaner, Maggie. James, a solicitor in the city, soon comes to suspect William Bule, a millionaire playboy who has moved back to the village. William, pressed by James, confesses to the hit and run. But the confession is clouded by Anne's admission of her affair with William.

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Plot Keywords:

confession | lawyer | solicitor | vomiting | death of husband | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language including some sexual references

Details

Official Sites:

20th Century Fox [France] Fox Searchlight [United States]

Country:

UK

Language:

English French

Release Date:

18 November 2005 (UK)

Also Known As:

Laberinto de mentiras

Filming Locations:

Marylebone Station, Marylebone, London, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$22,341, 18 September 2005, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$923,347, 18 December 2005

Company Credits

Production Co:

Celador Films,DNA Films,UK Film Council

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Nigel Balchin's novel was first published in 1951, but was updated to the 21st century for this movie adaptation.

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Goofs

When Anne and James met out in the rain for a last goodbye it was very obvious that the rain was manufactured. The rain came down mainly where they were standing and the WAY it came down was not realistic at all.

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Quotes

Anne Manning: I don't think I'm cut out for a life of crime.

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Connections

Features Monarch of the Glen (2000)

User Reviews

Sex...Lies....And, NO Video Tapes...

SEPARATE LIES is such an elegant, intelligent and thought provoking film and I could have watched Tom Wilkinson forever on the screen. The locations in the English countryside, the marvelous London locations, the interiors, smart wardrobes and of course, the writing and dialog made SEPARATE LIES a thrilling adventure.

With that said, and perhaps this is just an American viewpoint, as the British are so much more sophisticated in handling sexual escapades, I found it hard to watch Tom Wilkinson just stand by, as his wife goes merrily on her way in a sexual journey that really brings her very little joy, creates much despair for her husband, with the cad that is Rupert Everett. Yes, I saw the failings of Wilkinson's character-his aim for perfection, the desire for everything in its place-but in Emily Watson, she should have looked deeper into his true character and solid goodness, to realize what she has thrown away.

Tom Wilkinson makes SEPARATE LIES into a powerful film by watching him experience all the pain, embarrassment, and despair on the screen as his wife goes off with another man. And he himself makes the journey in SEPARATE LIES by understanding his faults, embracing his wife, despite all that has gone on, and leading her back to London. Bravo, Tom!