Watch My First Wife

My First Wife is a 1984 Australian drama film directed by Paul Cox, that tells the story of a married couple's gradual breakdown of communication, separating from each other, and struggling to move on in their separate lives. The film stars John Hargreaves as John, a successful and self-assured businessman, and Wendy Hughes as Helen, his sensitive and artistic wife. The film opens with John and Helen's wedding, featuring a touching speech from John's father about the importance of the commitment they are about to make. The newlyweds move into a beautiful, spacious home in the suburbs, and everything seems perfect.

However, beneath the veneer of happiness, their relationship is already starting to unravel. John is controlling and dismissive of Helen's interests and passions, often belittling her for not being more practical or career-focused. He spends long hours at work and frequently travels, leaving her feeling isolated and unfulfilled.

As the years progress, the tension between them builds. John becomes increasingly authoritarian and ruthless in his job, while Helen becomes more introspective and withdrawn. They fight constantly and seem unable to connect on any level. Things come to a head when John announces that he is leaving Helen for another woman, sparking a bitter battle for custody of their young daughter, Karen (played by Lucy Angwin).

The film is a searing examination of the breakdown of a marriage, and the toll it takes on both parties. John's character is particularly complex, as he is not portrayed simply as a villain, but rather as someone who is struggling with his own insecurities and issues of control. Hargreaves does an excellent job of portraying both John's charisma and his flaws, making him a sympathetic yet flawed character.

Hughes, meanwhile, delivers an outstanding performance as Helen, conveying her character's pain and resilience with great nuance. She is a woman who is slowly crushed by the weight of her husband's expectations, yet she refuses to be defined solely by her relationship to him. Her scenes with Karen are particularly poignant, as she tries to shield her daughter from the worst of their disagreements while still being honest about her own feelings.

Lucy Angwin, in her debut role, is excellent as Karen, providing a strong counterpoint to the complex emotions of her parents. She is a child caught in the middle of their fights, but she is also a source of hope and light in their lives. The scenes between Karen and Helen are particularly moving, as they rely on each other for comfort and support.

Overall, My First Wife is a powerful, insightful film that explores the complexities of human relationships with great sensitivity and depth. It is a rare example of a movie that can be both gritty and tender, capturing the messy reality of marriage and divorce without sacrificing its emotional impact. Paul Cox's direction is deft and assured, and the performances from the three leads are uniformly excellent. Although the film can be difficult to watch at times, it is ultimately a rewarding and thought-provoking experience that is definitely worth seeking out.