Killing Me Softly

About Killing Me Softly

Killing Me Softly is a 2003 American-British erotic thriller, directed by Chen Kaige and produced by Michael Chinich. Adapted from Nicci French's eponymous 1999 novel, the plot revolves around a passionate affair that turns into an intense exploration of a dangerous and controlling love.

The film features Heather Graham as Alice, an American web designer who impulsively abandons her professional and personal life to engage in a tumultuous relationship with mountaineer Adam Tallis (Joseph Fiennes).

Making / Production

Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 'Killing Me Softly' was the first English-language film directed by the renowned Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige. Filmed primarily in London, the film involved intense shooting schedules, with particular emphasis on building the erotic tension and developing the complexities of the characters and their relationships.

Actors

• Heather Graham (Alice): Heather superbly plays the role of Alice, a woman undergoing a turbulent journey of passion and self-discovery. Her acting adds a diverse depth to the film.
• Joseph Fiennes (Adam Tallis): Joseph brings his character Adam to life with an intense portrayal of a charming yet mysterious mountaineer.
• Natascha McElhone (Deborah): Natascha convincingly portrays Deborah, the sister of Adam, giving the character a touch of obscurity that adds suspense to the plot.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the first English-language film directed by Chen Kaige.
• Despite being based on an English novel, the main character Alice was rewritten to be American to accommodate Heather Graham's accent.
• During the screening process, the film was initially given an NC-17 rating due to its graphic sexual content but was later edited to receive an R rating.

Quotes

• "Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."
• "Every catastrophe in life is preceded by a warning."
• "Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Patrick Doyle, while the soundtrack featured songs from various artists including Dido and Massive Attack.
• 'Silence' by Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan plays a critical role in the film, permeating several intense scenes.