Chloe

Any combined genre movie has a greater degree of difficulty that one of simpler formula. After all in this circumstance the requirements of all component genres must properly addressed even if those requirements are typically mutually exclusive. One combination that has maintained popularity despite its inherent is the erotic thriller. The problem with this mixture is often mistaking erotic for sexually explicit or even worse obscene. If this incredibly delicate balance can be achieved there is potential to create an intense movie intended for mature audiences. This last requirement, maturity, it what sets the erotic thriller above and beyond the more puerile horror flicks popular with the male high school demographic. One reason example of how to properly construct an erotic thriller is the latest opus from film maker Atom Egoyan, ‘Chloe’ this is the rare type of film that not only succeeds despite its flaws those flaws just serve to humanize the movie greatly enhancing the emotional impact to provides to the audience. This film turns out to reset the bar for the genre taking the place of the former high water mark; ‘Body Heat’ which has held the position since 1981, just short of three decades now. One of the main reasons that this film worked for me are some of the factors others used to deride it. The flaws and to some extent the predictability assisted in connecting with the audience and grounding the production. You don’t want a film like this to be well polished and slick. This type of movie works best when it is pulled down by human frailty and misdirection bourn of human emotion gone awry. An erotic thriller or as this one is marketed, mystery, should be gritty, rough around the edges giving the audience that same queasy feeling of being in the wrong neighborhood after dark.

Since this genre requires a more experienced touch it is not something that should be taken on by a newcomer to the cinematic arts. Fortunately, there was a well seasoned veteran as the creative force behind this film; Atom Egoyan. He is the rare sort of film maker who can feel comfortable in experimenting in different styles and types of films. In some respects this makes for uneven acceptance of his work but I’d rather think of it as an artisan not afraid of going off in a new direction. Most of his most notable works are dark looks at the skeletons peopled tend to keep hidden away from the light of discovery. This is evident in the crafting of two of his better known works; ‘Exotica’ and ‘Where the Truth Lies’. Both of these films, as well as this one, simmer in intensity with an undercurrent of sensuality and sexuality that moves towards a concluding boiling point. Egoyan has built a reputation as a writer and director for going after the darkness in the psyche, pushing the envelope away from the established norm. In the case of Chloe he does this within the frame work of a story that has been told many times before, hence the rather poor critical response. It took a couple of viewing but it did seem that the story is just the scaffolding needed to support the true method of storytelling; the performances. This is a movie that needs to be experienced rather that dissected for deeper meaning. The actual script was produced by relative new comer, Erin Cressida Wilson, who does an excellent job of spinning tale worthy of being called an erotic thriller.

To the outside world one might think that Catherine Stewart (Julianne Moore) had the perfect life. She is an extremely successful gynecologist living in an upscale section of Toronto with her husband, opera critic David (Liam Neeson) along with their teenage son Michael (Max Thieriot).the first cloud on her horizon is when Catherine comes to suspect David of cheating on her. The evidence is in the form that drives many a modern mystery; all too telling photos found on his phone. Catherine pounds what to do when she begins to notice a very pretty young woman Chloe (Amanda Seyfried) as a regular visitor to a nearby hotel. It turns out that Chloe is a high end escort who Catherine hires her to seduce her husband and report back with proof of his philandering ways. Of course the synopsis of what happens next is predictable; beautiful young call girl plus husband prone to adultery and a 17 year son; someone’s getting some real soon. This film comes across like a trip on the Orient Express. You know where the ride starts and stops before you commence but the real dun is the experience of the journey. This movie is less about relating the story than it is vehicle for some of the better performances to come around in quite awhile. When the older woman first encounters the younger one what ensues is a perfectly executed dance with each woman sizing up the other. Although Chloe is chronological younger she has a certain air of experience not present in Catherine, this extends far beyond the obvious sexual prowess to the young woman’s innate ability to discern the needs and darkest longings of another; a factor in why she is so successful in her line of work. When Chloe makes her initial report to Catherine you can feel the older woman opening up, enthralled by the younger.

First of all Amanda Seyfried is the ‘It’ girl of the moment but she is certainly not a flavor of the month. She has been diligently working on her career from her role in the HBO series ‘Big Love’ to demonstrating her flair for the musical with ‘Momma Mia’. She has the taken to keep her career going for a long time. It is fitting for to play opposite Julianne Moore. Now there is a gorgeous actress who can master any role put in front of her. Ms Moore keeps the sizzle going here. The film is available on both DVD and Blu-ray but it takes the high definition version to truly appreciate the imaginative cinematography of Paul Sarossy. This is a perfect film for a date night jus get ready to have your senses thrilled.