An American Affair

Intrigue, political Intrigue, this is the definition of An American Affair. This film is the fictional account of Catherine, a composite of one of JFK’s many mistresses, while serving his term as president. Catherine was being manipulated by the CIA, in order to influence the president, and the decisions he was making about Cuba, and The Bay Of Pigs. Across the street from Catherine lives a sixteen year old boy, who becomes so infatuated with her, that he watches her every move. He insinuates himself into her life, and eventually discovers, her not so secret, affair.

This melancholy film heads directly towards it’s inevitable, tragic end, but you’ll find yourself fascinated along the way. Gretchen Mol is interesting as the nonchalant divorcee, trying to fill the void in her life. Reaching, experimenting, trying to break conventions, her relationship with the young Cameron Bright’s Adam is almost understandable. However, this film doesn’t work for me on all levels. Some of the questions are never answered. Yet, it did keep my interest, and I got a little more insight into what it may have been like to be a family living in Washington, DC during this very interesting, political time.

Rating: Second Run More political intrigue, than thriller.