Main Title : Grandfather Films - Douglas Morse, Director
Grandfather Films

The Adulterer

Winner Best of the Fest Sarasota International Film Festival in March 2003.

Year:
Director:
Writer:
Cast:
2001
Douglas Morse
Douglas Morse
Chris Diamantopoulos
Alice Ripley
Jeremy Kushnier
Anthony Giangrande

From deep in the east village of New York City comes The Adulterer: a sensitive portrayal of a marriage in crisis with pitch black comedic overtones. Cousin Aaron (Jeremy Kushnier) is always ready with tales of sexual depravity, "have you ever boned a girl with a prosthetic arm", that drive Dave (Chris Diamantopoulos) on a quest to have his own sexual adventure. Broadway star Alice Ripley gives a subtle, moving performance as wife Kim who watches her relationship melt down.

After fumbling an opportunity for adultery, Dave turns to the creepy, misogynistic Monroe for help and finds himself joining an Iron John style men's group lead by a charismatic weirdo Erik (Todd Feder) to 'learn what it means to be a man'. Dave isn't sure if that means pursuing the impossibly beautiful Gabriella (Anna-Louise Plowman), hooking up with the free spirited Julie (Lainie Ventura), or finding his way back to his wife. As he struggles the men's group turns on him in dark and disturbing ways.

Hailed as both "a guy's movie that women ought to see," (Daily Hampshire Gazette) and "an inspiring dramatic masterpiece," (Avid's Film and Television Update), The Adulterer is certainly not one to miss.

The Adulterer features the music of song writers Julie Flanders and Emil Adler of the cult band October Project, stunning cinematography, and a finely crafted performances that the Hollywood Reporter calls both "energetic" and "believable".



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Press Coverage

Capsule Review, Longboat Observer, Sarasota Hailed
Dave and Kim got married young. What Kim wants most is a child, but Dave's sperm count is a tad low. Out of frustration, he yearns for that elusive early onset of endorphin love and decides to have an affair. In his pursuit, he's waylaid into joining a macho men's group that specializes in discovering one's 'male power.' On his journey of self-discovery, Dave comes full circle to face the facts of life. This little film delivers big on all levels with first-rate acting, stylishly acute cinematography, and a witty, provocative script. Its message is universal and yet not done in a 'been there, seen that' manner. It's all about not realizing what you have is what you really want.

Review, MADY Radio, Sarasota
The Adulterer, directed by Douglas Morse, is a take on a familiar theme: basically decent people living a marriage in crisis. The husband, played sensitively, by Chris Diamatopoulos gets caught up in the tales of sexual exploits and conquest by his obnoxious friend and puts his already descending marriage in jeopardy. Torn between two worlds our husband joins a male bonding group that, for all its attempted seriousness, is quite a silly group, but helps him discovers he is nothing like his friends. There are funny and tender moments. This film is well written, directed and acted. The music is beautiful and well chosen.

Feature article, Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton
In both the documentary and feature categories, an array of movies looks at the world around us. Movies that consider political and social issues, either in truth or fiction. That last film [The Adulterer], an 85 minute feature directed by Douglas Morse, shows what happens when a man strays - and ends up participating in a men's support group. Sociologically, it's one of the most interesting features we have. But it's going to make a lot of people mad. There are parts of this that are hard to watch, but it's worth it.

Capsule review, Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton
This is a guys movie that women ought to see. Director Douglas Morse tells the story of a man whose self-confidence unravels as he and his wife face their apparent infertility. Though his existential search takes him past a few many stock characters, including the pal for whom pickups come easily, the journey is harrowing enough to be interesting -- and provocative. Both genders will likely agree about whether Dave (Chris Diamantopoulos) gains or loses through his dabbling in the men's movement. The impressive cast includes several young veterans of the big city stage.