Deception

Author: Josh P.
Location: Chicago, IL

"Deception"

Directed by Woody Allen
Produced by Woody Allen and Mike Nichols
Written by Woody Allen and Tony Kushner
Music by Gustavo Santaolalla

Principal Cast:

Nicole Kidman (Angie Howard)
Clive Owen (Phil Howard)
Eric Szmanda (Jim Gravers)
Marcia Gay Harden (Margaret Banker)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (Craig Luxford)

Tagline: "Love can be as violent as hate"

Synopsis: The movie tells the story of a lonely woman (Kidman) who is stuck within a violent and abusive marriage with her professor husband (Owen). She feels miserable as she has no family to return to as well as no money to pay for a divorce or lawyer. She one day goes out to a department store and meets a sales clerk there (CSI’s Eric Szmanda). She is intrigued by this handsome young man and he is fascinated by this slightly older woman. The two begin having an intense and lustrous affair that is kept in dark corners. Angie doesn’t know what to do: she loves Jim but cannot make herself leave her husband. Even the advice of Angie’s best friend (Harden), as well as Jim’s (Hoffman), doesn’t seem to work out. What results is a secret love that lasts through turmoil, deceit and ultimate tragedy.

What the press would say:

Allen has provided another flawless piece of art with intense drama and stellar performances. The intimate setting and small cast allow for the actors to shine through. Kidman is wonderful in a magnificent role and Owen truly allows himself to go free with his character. Harden is a pleasant sight once again and the movie also includes a breakthrough performance for Szmanda, better known for his Greg Sanders persona from television’s CSI. Even Mike Nichols gives an unusual touch as producer and the writing combination team of Woody Allen and Tony Kushner could not be better. The awards consideration campaign:

Best Picture
Best Director: Woody Allen
Best Actor: Clive Owen
Best Actress: Nicole Kidman
Best Supporting Actor: Eric Szmanda
Best Supporting Actress: Marcia Gay Harden
Best Original Screenplay: Woody Allen and Tony Kushner
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score