Cinema Consults: The Constant Gardener

The Constant Gardener (2005)I expected injustice. Iexpected moral outrage.What I didn'texpect was a lovestory with just asmany plot twists asthe backdrop of internationalconspiracy. Ralph Fiennes isbrilliant as always, portraying JustinQuayle, a British diplomat stationed inAfrica whose love for his wife, Tessa(Rachel Weisz), is tested as a result ofher secrecy. The camerawork isthoughtful and full of motion as weare invited to share Quayle's point ofview, and subsequently his torment.Weisz does an excellent job creating acharacter shrouded in mystery anddoubted at every turn; a characterwho is cherished not only by heronscreen husband but also by theaudience that wants desperately tobelieve in her endless moral fortitude.Weisz certainly deserves her Oscar^®win for this performance. This film isfilled with tension and deception, andalthough it is consumed by a plotlinefocused on social injustice, in the endit is simply a gut-wrenching lovestory. There are certainly things in theworld that are bigger than two peoplein love, but few of us would be willingto sacrifice that love for a highercause. This film will certainly get youto think about making this choice,although I'm not sure that it providesus with any definitive answer. Thisfilm is beautiful and haunting and definitelyworth your time.

Rating: 3.5

Lisa A. Tomaszewski, editor of Physician's Money

Digest, is currently working on her PhD in literature

at Drew University in New Jersey. She is an

avid fan of film and has taught a summer film

course at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She

welcomes questions, comments, or suggestions

for future film reviews at 732-656-1140 ext 195

or ltomaszewski@ascendmedia.com.