Watch Too Far to Go

Too Far to Go is a 1979 television film that was directed by fielder Cook and was based on the novel of the same name by John Updike. It stars Michael Moriarty, Blythe Danner, and Glenn Close in the lead roles. The story revolves around the marriage of Richard (Michael Moriarty) and Joan Maple (Blythe Danner), who are seen to be very much in love but struggle with each other's flaws. The film is told in a non-linear way with vignettes from various points in their marriage.

Richard is a writer who is beginning to gain recognition while Joan is a homemaker. The couple has two children and appear to be relatively happy. The film shows us a series of events that occur over the course of their marriage which tests their relationship to the limit.

The couple's main issue is that they are quite different people. Richard is a writer who values his independence and is often distant from Joan, while Joan is more social and values the traditional family structure. Richard also has a moral weakness, as he cheats on Joan with other women, such as his colleague and best friend's wife, Emily (Glenn Close).

Throughout the movie, Richard and Joan go through phases of trying to work through their issues, but they ultimately separate. As a couple, they seem to find themselves fighting about everything, from the schedule for their kids' Halloween party to Richard's growing success that Joan feels threatened by.

There are multiple poignant moments in the film, including one scene where Richard tries to write an anniversary letter to Joan but struggles with his words. He tries to explain how much he loves her and how difficult it can be to express himself. Later in the film, while going through a separation, Joan reads the letter and breaks down in tears.

The performances in this movie are fantastic across the board, with each actor bringing a unique nuance to the role. Michael Moriarty is excellent as the suffocated writer, genuine but unable to fully connect with those closest to him. Blythe Danner gives an outstanding emotional performance as the wife struggling to hold on to her family despite her husband's infidelities. Glenn Close is convincing as Emily, capturing both the intrigue with Richard and the devastation of betraying her husband.

What sets Too Far to Go apart is its realistic depiction of relationships. Its non-linear narrative structure allows us to witness the gradual breakdown of Richard and Joan's marriage over time, and we can see through their interactions, the repeated painful moments that have chipped away at the solidity of their bond. It is a film about love and loss, and the pain and complications that comes with leading a life together.

Overall, Too Far to Go is an underappreciated film that should be seen as a shining example of how a relationship drama can be done right. It is a thought-provoking film that offers insight into the complexities of human relationships and the difficulties that arise from trying to keep them together. It is a must-see for those who enjoy character-driven films that leave a lasting impact.