The satisfactions of 'Married Life'

If you are looking for something not entirely predictable this weekend, 'Married Life' is a great option. Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper, Patricia Clarkson lead this dark romp through late 1940's life with ease.

Harry Allen (Cooper) confesses to his best friend Richard Langley that he believes he's found the woman of his dreams in Kay (Rachel McAdams.) His problem is he can't bear the thought of how much he will hurt his wife Pat (Clarkson) if he leaves her. As the story progresses Harry decides it would be best for all if he kills Pat as this is the easiest way to ensure happiness for all, or in the case of his wife, who he still loves, a lack of sadness.

It's a testament to Harry's lack of imagination that he thinks this is a simple solution. Chris Cooper portrays a man who is determined to follow through on a plan once he has made up his mind. Cooper's subtle performance as Harry begins to realize what he is doing is great to watch.

Brosnan is also excellent as a smooth talking womanizer, and Clarkson revels in her role as an intelligent woman who is perhaps more trapped in her gilded cage than she understands, even if she knows a back door.