The world of cinema often presents us with passionate and complicated love stories, where infidelity often plays a significant role. However, although these films mirror certain aspects of reality, they do not always reflect the complexity and nuances of infidelity in pop culture. Let’s take a critical look at how infidelity is treated in films and discover what they don’t tell us.
The clichés of infidelity in cinema
In fiction, infidelity is often presented as an unforgivable act, where the one who cheats turns out to be the “villain” of the story. Whereas, sometimes the truth is much more nuanced and each situation is unique to a multitude of factors. Movies also perpetuate certain stereotypes about the reasons leading to infidelity:
- Searching for passion: Unfaithful characters are often perceived as unsatisfied in their relationship and seek to find that spark of passion elsewhere.
- The vengeance: Some films feature a character who cheats on their partner to avenge a prior betrayal
- Chance: In other cases, infidelity occurs during a boozy evening where the temptation is too strong to resist.
These clichés tend to simplify and reduce infidelity to a series of stereotypes that do not always correspond to the reality of situations experienced by many couples.
Infidelity: The Unknown Profiles
In movies, it may seem that only certain types of people are likely to cheat on their partner. However, infidelity is a complex and varied phenomenon, involving individuals from all walks of life. Here are some lesser-known profiles:
The compulsive seducer
Contrary to the myth of the hardened seducer, some people may be unfaithful simply because they find it hard to manage their impulses and resist temptation. These individuals are not necessarily seeking passion or vengeance, but act impulsively without necessarily considering the consequences.
The partner unsatisfied emotionally
If the quest for passion is often highlighted in films, emotional dissatisfaction is much less addressed. However, many are the people who cheat on their partner because they do not feel supported, understood and valued in their current relationship.
The eternal dissatisfied
Some individuals find it difficult to be fully satisfied in a relationship and are constantly in search of novelty, excitement, and change. Thus, they may multiply infidelities without necessarily being unhappy in their couple.
It is essential to remember that infidelity does not come down to a single profile and varies according to the individuals involved and the dynamics of the concerned couple.
The infidelity investigation: myths and realities
Films have popularized the image of the private detective tasked with following a spouse suspected of infidelity. While this practice does exist in reality, it’s not as common as one might believe:
- Legality: In some countries, hiring a detective to spy on one’s partner could violate privacy laws and therefore, is illegal.
- The cost: Hiring a private detective can turn out to be expensive and not everyone has the necessary means.
- Trust: Some people prefer to discuss with their partner in case of suspicion rather than prying into their private life.
Furthermore, investigations carried out by private detectives do not always reveal the truth behind suspicious behavior. It is important to consider that there are a multitude of reasons that can explain a distancing in the couple that are not necessarily related to infidelity.
The consequences of infidelity: divorces, breakups and reconciliations
On the big screen, the discovery of infidelity often means an immediate breakup or a divorce. But, this abrupt outcome is not always the rule:
- The communication : Some people choose to discuss with their partner about the reasons for infidelity and rebuild their relationship by rekindling the dialogue.
- The forgiveness: Even though it’s difficult, it’s possible for some couples to overcome the ordeal of infidelity and come out of it stronger and more mature
- Couple’s therapy: Many couples choose to turn to a professional to try to repair the damage caused by infidelity and start on a good footing.
As for the children, they are often the great absentees in films dealing with infidelity. Yet, in reality, many couples take into account the best interest of their children before making a final decision following a romantic betrayal.
In short, although cinema conveys certain truths, it also contributes to perpetuating stereotypes about infidelity and omits to mention the complexity that can surround this act. To better understand infidelity and its intricacies, it is therefore important not to limit oneself to fictions and to explore its various facets in pop culture.