In Defense of a Married Man

In Defense of a Married Man is a 1990-made-for-television film directed by Joel Oliansky, featuring an unforgettable star cast led by Judith Light, Michael Ontkean, and Jerry Orbach. A legal drama with a hefty dose of murder mystery, In Defense of a Married Man poses some profound questions about love, loyalty, and the bounds of legality.

The story centers around a successful, well-respected attorney named Robert, played by Michael Ontkean. Robert enjoys a good reputation and a prosperous career in a big law firm, but his personal life isn't so glamorous. He's trapped in a strained marriage, a fact made evident in the early scenes of the film. As he is dealing with the trials and tribulations of his marriage, he meets a beautiful woman named Laura, essayed by Maria Holvoe.

Laura, a stunning and charismatic woman, gives Robert a taste of the passion and excitement that his life has been sorely lacking. Despite his sense of duty and commitment to his family, he embarks on an affair with Laura, hence setting the stage for a conflict between his personal desires and professional ethics.

Judith Light brilliantly portrays the character of Robert's wife, Ellen. Light brings out the complexities of Ellen's character – a woman in love, a devoted mother, but also a woman scorned. Her world crumbles when she finds out about Robert's infidelity, leading to raw emotions and startling revelations.

However, the plot takes a significant turn when Laura is found dead, and Robert becomes the prime suspect. What unfolds is a gripping murder investigation, further complicated by Robert's esteemed position as a renowned attorney and his illicit relationship with the deceased. The story puts the justice system under the lens — should a lawyer be allowed to defend himself?

Therefore, Robert must now navigate the murky legal waters, putting aside his emotions while facing the harsh scrutiny of not just the law enforcement but his friends, family, and most importantly, his wife. Through this lens, the film explores conflicting themes of duty and desire, truth, and deception, taking the viewer on a roller coaster of emotions and tension.

In his defense, Robert recruits his colleagues, played by Jonathan Banks and Jerry Orbach. Orbach's character, Alan Michaels, is particularly memorable. A sharp, savvy, and dedicated attorney, he is torn between his friendship with Robert and his commitment to the truth.

On the surface, In Defense of a Married Man might seem like your regular courtroom drama, but it transcends the formulaic murder mystery. It explores the human psyche's complexities, the tumultuous nature of interpersonal relationships, and the bitter effects of betrayal in those relationships. It also dives deep into moral ambiguities and the often-blurry lines between right and wrong.

The performances of the main cast excel in delivering this layered story. Judith Light is exceptionally moving as the wife grappling with her relationship's stark realities and the pressing questions from her children. Ontkean's portrayal of an embattled man, trapped between his clandestine allure towards Laura and his guilt and duty towards his family, is both intense and convincing.

The film also excels in its technical aspects. The storytelling is engaging and thought-provoking, the pacing is tight, and there's a constant undercurrent of suspense. The cinematography beautifully captures the emotional depth of the characters and the tension infused narrative.

All in all, In Defense of a Married Man is an engrossing watch for all fans of legal dramas and murder mysteries. But beyond that, it is a commentary on relationships, ethics, and the lengths to which one might go to protect their reputation, their career, or their loved ones. This journey into the human psyche and the exploration of moral dilemmas makes it a captivating and intense cinematic experience.