What would you do for a million dollars? Is there any prize worth the cost of your integrity? These are the questions that lie at the heart of the 1993 romantic drama Indecent Proposal. Over thirty years after its release this parable of love, lust, and greed continues to spark debate and discussion. Rate the odds with Robert Redford at his most suave in Indecent Proposal.
The film begins with happily married David and Diana Murphy chasing the American Dream. David pursues a career as an architect while Diana enjoys success as a real estate agent. Their idyllic existence grinds to a halt when David is laid off and they lose the funds for their dream home. Desperate, they resolve to travel to Vegas and win enough money to rescue themselves from ruin. Predictably, this plan quickly goes awry. What neither David nor Diana can predict, however, is the intercession of billionaire John Gage. After witnessing the couple lose at the roulette table he makes them an offer for one million dollars in exchange for a night with Diana. The couple hesitantly agree and the next morning Gage pays them the million dollars. In their moment of triumph, however, the pair realize that they have struck a Faustian bargain the likes of which calls their marriage, morals, and future into question.
What easily could have devolved into a tawdry, forgettable, effort instead makes for surprisingly thought provoking viewing. The film transcends its sordid premise by following that premise to its devastating conclusion. While filmgoers still ponder the question of whether they would accept Gage's offer the film truly hits its stride after the fateful deal has already been struck. Through its depiction of the personal hell of resentment, distrust, and bitterness that the Murphys condemn themselves to, the film acts as a mature exploration of the cost of compromising oneself. In this way, the film places viewers in the Murphys' shoes and forces us to consider not just its titular proposal but also the less than ideal proposals that we've accepted in our own lives. As a result, the film raises vital questions for viewers to grapple with long after its final credits fade. Along with its philosophical musings the film also offers up plenty of drama as it follows each point of its central love triangle in their ill-advised quest to have it all. Take a chance with David, Diana, and John in Indecent Proposal.
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| An offer she couldn't refuse |
The film brings its Faustian tale to scintillating life thanks to its star-studded cast. Woody Harrelson is haplessness personified as David, yet still imbues his role with an earnestness that is sure to leave viewers rooting for him. Demi Moore blends sensuality with vulnerability to expert effect as Diana. Robert Redford is at his most tempting as the film's devil in disguise, John Gage. Moore and Redford showcase a chemistry that will leave viewers questioning what they would do when presented with such an indecent proposal.
At once a romantic drama and a moral parable, Indecent Proposal continues to raise vital questions about love, lust, and greed over thirty years after its release. Its thought provoking script makes the most of its central premise. The stellar cast brings each of the characters to vivid, and surprisingly relatable, life. For smoldering viewing with a side of the cerebral take a gamble on an Indecent Proposal.
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| Second chances are priceless |
