An American Affair DVD Review

On July 28th, Screen Media released An American Affair on DVD. This gripping and sensual story depicts a torrid love affair between Catherine Caswell (Gretchen Mol) and President John F. Kennedy.

An obvious portrayal of the stories about President Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe, Gretchen Mol stars as the seductress who moves in next door to an adventurous and uninhibited 13-year-old boy, Adam Stafford (Cameron Bright). Adam shows observes Catherine initially from his bedroom window and then gets a job doing odds and ends jobs for her, much to his mother’s (Perry Reaves) dismay.

As the story progresses, Adam develops a serious crush on his neighbor who is a bit eccentric and perhaps too approachable for the sexually curious Adam. Adam sees enough to catch on to what Catherine is up to. He also manages to sneak away with her detailed diary which explains her affair and some highly classified information about a supposed CIA plot to assassinate the president.

An American Affair is part coming of age story as it shows the curious nature of the teenage boy living in a home with parents at odds in their parenting styles (Noah Wyle plays the dad). It is also a provocative and insightful exploration into the nature of politics during the early 1960s and some of the uncertainties surrounding JFK’s death.

It takes a while to see the plot play out in the movie. Early on, it seems like nothing more than a racy (not for kids) movie with some political undertones. However, as the main characters are developed and their emotions and feelings play out, the movie takes on more depth of meaning.

There is a nice supporting cast that includes James Rebbhorn (Baby Mama, Cold Mountain) and Mark Pellegrino (National Treasure and The Big Lebowski). But, it is the brilliant sensuality and creativity of Gretchen Mol, and the intriguing and boisterous spirit of young Cameron Bright that really give An American Affair legs. There is plenty of intensity, scandal, and turmoil to give you a thorough viewing experience!

Director: William Olsson

DVD Review by Neil of Movie Room Reviews

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