Search - The Perfect Husband on DVD

A satisfying period tale of intrigue

Donald E. Brynelsen | 06/10/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Having just viewed this film, I must say it makes for a pleasent evening's viewing. Revolving around two freinds Milian (Tim Roth), a gifted pianist and notorious womanizer, and Franz (Peter Firth), the manager of a luxery spa, who meet again after seven years. Set in 1900, the story opens with Milan having been challanged to a duel after he attempts to seduce the wife of a Military Officer. Milan wins the duel, his 29th by shooting the officer in the behind. Meanwhile we first see Franz aboard a train with a little girl where he throws a dog off after it's owner throws his pipe out the window. The meeting of the two invokes memories in Milan of a long ago summer and fall when he first met Franz at a spa and the two quickly become freinds. Milan also falls for Franz's lovely wife Therese (Ana Belen), but she at first repulses his advances. A three way freindship soon develops however, much like that in Truffauts Jules and Jim, culminateing in the trio having a fully clothed swim party in the spa's pool. After this point, Therese and Milan's illicit affair heats up behind Franz's back and we see it unfold in the flashbacks that are interspersed with the main action. Although Franz makes no outward sign, Milan begins to suspect the other man knows about the affair and has waited seven years to seek revenge. But neither he or the viewer are really sure about this, or if the little girl is the product of the long ago affair until the films final moments. If you like period dramas that carry you along with the story, then A PERFECT HUSBAND is a must for your film library."