The Leading Man

John Duigan, the Aussie auteur of such quirky bits as Sirens, Flirting, and The Wide Sargasso Sea, adds to his eclectic résumé with this pouty drama about a theater troupe and its emotional entanglements off stage. Felix Webb (Lambert Wilson), "England's greatest living playwright," has immersed himself in the casting process of his latest piece in order to be near his mistress (the sensuous Thandie Newton), a relatively unknown actress in contention for a leading role. Meanwhile his wife (Anna Galiena), a once aspiring playwright, simmers in emotional and physical neglect. Robin Grange (rocker Jon Bon Jovi), a brash American movie star cast in the title role of Felix's play, offers to free Felix of his marital obligations by seducing his wife. But after Felix reluctantly agrees, the dubious agenda of his "leading man" tears at the heartstrings of all involved.

Virginia Duigan's script lays a provocative foundation; unfortunately Bon Jovi lacks the requisite range and physical emotion to propel the plot. He's stiff in a fluid role, and the situation is exacerbated by the full-bodied performances of his counterparts. Yet The Leading Man finds a degree of redemption in its camp factor, even if that's unintentional. At the Kendall Square.

-- Tom Meek