A Modern Affair

A Modern Affair is a pleasant and enjoyable film that is even more applicable in our modern society. The increased spread of IVF and non-traditional birth methods only builds on the film's story which focuses on a single businesswoman (Lisa Eichhorn) who seeks to find the man behind a donor profile (Stanley Tucci). I highly recommend it if you are looking for a rom-com or simply a great performance by Stanley Tucci.

4.5 out of 5 stars

This film came recommended to me by one of my co-workers and I decided, why not, let's check it out. I didn't really know anything about it, except for the synopsis given on Netflix. Anyway, I rented it and forced my husband to watch it with me a weeks ago. About ten minutes in, I thought "oh god, my husband is going to kill me for making him watch a chick flick." Surprisingly enough, this film turned out to be the exact opposite of that. This isn't a chick flick at all. It's insightful, thoughtful, and appeals to both women AND men. As it turns out, my husband absolutely loved this movie. While this movie is primarily about relationships, it provides both the viewpoints of the man and the woman in the relationship. I really appreciate that sort of thing.

I came across this movie on a small independent vendor website because I am a big fan of Stanley Tucci. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with this little known classic. Here is my synopsis:

Grace Rhodes' biological clock is ticking and time is running out. As a middle aged woman in New York city, finding the perfect man is more of a crap shoot than a dance with cupid. With the prospects running thin and the need for something more fulfilling in her life, she finds the perfect solution, cashing out at the local sperm bank. But finding the right wiggly candidate for the job isn't enough, soon she can't resist the desire to meet her test tube lover in person. Stanley Tucci plays Peter Kessler, donor #247, an artist who just so happens to be on the market for a new lady when Grace Rhodes steps in. What follows is a contemporary love story that could only be told in an age of cryogenics and gene modification. A Modern Affair is a truly unique take on the traditional boy meets girl love story. Heartfelt, witty, and original, it will take all the inhuman discomforts that an age of cold scientific research creates and nestle you warmly back into the purity of love and destiny.

Stanley Tucci and Lisa Eichhorn both deliver top notch performances in this film. However, I must say that my personal favorite was Grace's best friend, Elaine, played by Caroline Aaron. She is just the kind of spunky risk taking friend that everyone wants to have and makes stories like these possible. The dialogue is also not to be missed, like when Grace contemptuously envisions a young temp as "engaging in the most photogenic sex that God or Calvin Klein ever devised."

If your looking for a quiet night kind of movie that'll make you chuckle and just feel good, then A Modern Affair is a perfect match.

This first time I watched this film, I really didn't get it. I figured, that this was a film for an older crowd, and being a teenager meant I just wasn't going to understand it. But I watched it again a few months later, and I think it's just one of those films you have to watch twice to REALLY understand. A lot of the deep conversations that the two lead characters have in this film kind of went over my head the first time, but when watching it again, I really see what it is that they are saying. It's about the struggle to find love later in life, whether it comes from a partner, from your work, or from forming a family. This was a really great film.

I think this is Stanley Tucci's first big film role, and you can really tell why his career took off after this. While his character (Peter) may not always be very likable at times in the film, he is a really dynamic character. The big scene where he fights with Lisa Eichhorn's character is absolutely heart- breaking and so powerful. I can't believe that he didn't win any Oscar for this role. I love watching him in this film.

Lisa Eichhorn also plays an incredible role in this. She reminds me a bit of Meg Ryan and Meryl Streep. It's a great performance.

I recommend this movie for anyone who loves film!