Falling in Love by Michael Cristofer - 8.8 out of 10

Falling in Love by Michael Cristofer
8.8 out of 10


Somehow, although this is a notable motion picture, it seems to have passed rather unnoticed.

If we look at the leading stars, Meryl Streep and Robert de  Niro, with Harvey Keitel in a supporting role, the near absence of coverage is even more intriguing.
Meryl Streep is Molly Gilmore, married to Brian Gilmore, and Robert de Niro is Frank Raftis, also married, but to Ann Raftis.

To begin with, the protagonists commute with the same train, in the opening scenes, they use telephones that are next to each other.
This is the primeval period, when mobile phones had not yet been omnipresent.
As Christmas is approaching, Frank and Molly buy gifts for their spouses, family and friends and they cross paths again, in a library.

Just as they both reach for the exit, they knock each other's numerous bags to the floor.
They begin the complicated operation of sorting what has fallen from whose baggage.

At their respective homes, Brian finds that his gift is a book on gardening and Ann that she now has the chance to learn about sailing.
You have guessed what has happened.

When they meet again on the train, Frank and Molly talk to each other.
But Falling in Love may not happen suddenly.

They act with caution, respecting their spouses and their families.
If anything, these two characters seem to have been too reluctant to engage with each other.

The message of this film seems to be:

If you Fall in Love, do not hesitate!
No matter what, grab this unique chance and do not lose the rare opportunity 

On the other hand, studies - and common sense perhaps could indicate that - have found that separation and divorce are not caused by affairs.
This is a case of mistaking the effect for the cause.

When love and affection are almost dead, or at least comatose, then extramarital relationships are the result.
Albeit the main characters fall in love with each other, they think they cannot commit adultery.

And they don't, alas.
Not for a long time.

And maybe they never will.
For reasons of spoiler alert and perhaps because I am not so sure,we can leave it at that.