Metroland (1997)

director: Philip Savile

writers: Adrian Hodges

starring: Christian Bale, Emma Watson

genre: Drama, Romance

Romantic films usually miss the point entirely. Focus is always or most usually put on the story of two hated individuals that will eventually fall in love or a love that has a deep secret that has to be revealed so the both can be together. Formulas that Metroland and other serious romance films stray away from by being more original. Analyzing how romance can be boring and how a midlife crisis can play out.

Chris (Christian Bale) is married man in his 30's who's having a midlife crisis. He lives the normal life with a job, child and his wife Marion (Emily Watson) but its not enough for him. Ideas and thoughts follow him day to day and thing only get worse with the arrival of his old friend Toni (Lee Ross). More memories come afloat as he relives his old love life and if he would have been happier living his life differently with one of his old loves or his wife.

What attracted toward the film was its depiction of the main characters Chris and Marion. The in doubt, tempted husband on the brink of midlife crisis and the depressed wife in need of her husband's commitment to the marriage. Their portrayals and performance are what make this film so good.

Also the content matter of the film is very interesting and usually never played out in realistic terms in other romantic films. Things like sexual boredom, past-fantasies, tempting seduction and the change of partners are sometimes too taboo for mainstream audiences that are only in the mood for a fairy tale story. As if the man or woman of the film cant be a in a love and flawed at the same time.

Every time one of these type films actually make it too the cinema it's a blessing. You cant alway be in the mood for a cliche romance film every month or so. Even weird romance films like Sex and Death 101 are a breath of fresh air. This old romance of the 90's is worth your time and patience. So check it out.

Personal Rating:

Review by Paul