neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Intimacy
	Patrice Chereau Mark Rylance, Kerry Fox, Timothy Spall 2001		The title of this affecting, erotic character study easily could have been "Pursuit of Intimacy." French director Patrice Chereau set the film in London, where detached bar manager Jay and the mysterious Claire are having a one-afternoon-a-week affair. The couple's trysts are about hot sex and nothing else, but Jay starts developing feelings towards Claire. Desiring to know her better, he follows her after one of their weekly encounters and learns more than he ever expected. But the more he knows about his lover, the more complicated their relationship becomes — and the more frustrated he gets. As Jay wrestles with disconnection and obsession, issues of love, loyalty and longing begin to undermine the fragility of his liaison with Claire. Mark Rylance brings a sad world-weariness to the role of Jay, while Aussie actress Kerry Fox imbues Claire with quiet diffidence that may or may not mask turbulent emotions. They're excellent, as is ever-unforgettable supporting player Timothy Spall ("Topsy-Turvy").