Geliebte Lügen (Separate Lies)
U.K. 2005

Opening 23 Mar 2006

Directed by: Julian Fellowes
Writing credits: Nigel Balchin, Julian Fellowes
Principal actors: Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Rupert Everett, Hermione Norris, John Warnaby

This is Julian Fellowes’ first movie since his Oscar-winning script for Gosford Park. He has written as well as directed this film, which once again concerns Britain’s upper classes, though this time the setting is the present. This enthralling film is about rich people in posh homes not being exempt from human frailty. Given the subject matter, it is no hardship to watch the story play out in beautiful homes. London lawyer James Manning (beautifully played by Tom Wilkinson) is an upstanding member of the community who is faced with a moral dilemma. His integrity crumbles when self-interest makes him protect his wife Anne (Emily Watson) from facing up to the responsibility of her actions. Anne is aided by Bill (Rupert Everett) who plays an upper class layabout to perfection. The acting in this movie is superb and so is the writing. You’ll enjoy Separate Lies, and you’ll enjoy thinking about the problems it highlights. You may even ask yourself what you would do in circumstances similar to those which James has to face. (Jenny Mather)