A woman’s desire for a luxurious life puts her marriage and morality at risk. She is tempted by a handsome billionaire, leading her down a dangerous path of infidelity and regret. Can she come back from the brink of disaster and save her marriage?
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Review
Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor – The Scandalous and Surprising Movie of Tyler Perry
Are you ready for a provocative and pulse-pounding cinematic experience that will challenge your assumptions about love, sex, and power? If so, then Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor is the movie for you. Directed and written by the multitalented Tyler Perry, this 2013 drama is one of his most controversial and misunderstood works, yet it also showcases his artistic vision and storytelling skills. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Temptation, from its plot to its production, and analyze why it deserves more attention than some critics have given it.
Storyline: A young woman named Judith (played by Jurnee Smollett-Bell) works as an assistant at a high-end matchmaking agency in Washington D.C. She has been married to her childhood sweetheart Brice (Lance Gross) for six years, but their relationship has lost its passion and excitement. Judith feels bored and unfulfilled, while Brice seems content with his modest job as a pharmacist. One day, Judith meets Harley (Robbie Jones), a handsome billionaire who offers her a chance to design her own fashion line in New York City. Despite her initial resistance, Judith becomes increasingly drawn to Harley’s charm and lavish lifestyle. She starts an affair with him while hiding it from Brice and her family. As Judith becomes more entangled in Harley’s web of temptation, she faces an ethical dilemma that threatens to shatter her identity.
News: When Perry announced that he was making Temptation, many fans were intrigued by the casting choices he made. Smollett-Bell had impressed audiences with her role in The Great Debaters (2007) but had not appeared in many leading roles since then. Gross was mostly known for his work on the sitcom Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, and some critics doubted his ability to play a convincing romantic lead. Jones, on the other hand, was a relative newcomer who had gained attention for his role in Hellcats (2010). The supporting cast included Vanessa Williams, Brandy Norwood, and Kim Kardashian West in her first major acting role.
Plot: Temptation is not a simple love triangle or morality play. Instead, it explores the complex psychological dynamics of desire, ambition, and identity. Judith’s journey from an innocent and naive woman to a conflicted and damaged one raises many questions about gender roles, social expectations, and personal responsibility. Some viewers may find her choices frustrating or implausible, but the movie challenges us to empathize with her struggles and see beyond the surface level of her actions.
Fact: Temptation received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with some praising Perry’s boldness and others condemning it as sexist or melodramatic. The movie earned $53 million worldwide on a budget of $20 million but was not a box office smash like some of Perry’s other films. It also sparked debates about the portrayal of African American women in media and the morality of adultery.
Casts: Smollett-Bell anchors the film with her sensitive and nuanced performance as Judith. She conveys both vulnerability and strength as she confronts her own desires and regrets. Gross is solid as Brice, but his character is underwritten compared to Harley’s suave persona. Jones steals many scenes as Harley, who oozes charisma and danger in equal measure. Williams is elegant as Janice, Judith’s mentor at work who provides some moral guidance. Norwood plays Melinda, Judith’s best friend who has her own issues with infidelity. Kardashian West surprises with her decent acting skills as Ava, Harley’s socialite ex-girlfriend who becomes an unlikely ally.
Quote: “Some people are never happy with what they have, because they are always searching for what they’ve lost” – Janice (Vanessa Williams) counsels Judith on the dangers of longing for something that may not be worth losing.
Acting and Characters: One of the strengths of Temptation is the way it challenges stereotypes and cliches. Perry does not shy away from depicting flawed or ambiguous characters who reflect real human experiences. Judith is neither a saint nor a sinner, but a woman who struggles to balance her personal growth with her social obligations. Harley is neither a prince nor a villain, but a man who enjoys the thrill of seduction and the power of control. Brice is neither a hero nor a victim, but a man who wants to make his wife happy while facing his own limitations. The supporting characters also add depth and texture to the story, from Janice’s wisdom to Melinda’s humor to Ava’s surprising kindness.
History: Perry has been one of the most successful and influential African American filmmakers since he launched his stage plays in 1992. He has produced over 20 movies and TV shows under his own studio banner, Tyler Perry Studios, which he founded in 2006. His works often deal with themes of family, faith, and redemption in black communities, but he also tackles broader issues such as abuse, poverty, and discrimination. Some critics have accused him of pandering to stereotypes or perpetuating narrow visions of blackness, while others praise him for giving voice to underrepresented perspectives.
Score and Popularity: The score for Temptation was composed by Aaron Zigman, who also worked on Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) and Madea Goes to Jail (2009). Zigman’s music blends classical motifs with contemporary beats and creates an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the emotional impact of key scenes. The songs featured in the movie range from R&B ballads to hip-hop tracks, with Alicia Keys, Jordin Sparks, and Shirley Murdock contributing to the soundtrack.
Filming: Perry shot Temptation in 2012 in Atlanta and Washington D.C. He used his usual crew of collaborators, including cinematographer Alexander Gruszynski and editor Maysie Hoy. The movie features some stunning locations, such as the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial in D.C., as well as some impressive sets, such as Harley’s fancy apartment and Judith’s humble home.
Evaluation: While Temptation may not be Perry’s best or most consistent work, it is a bold and daring attempt to explore complex themes through an entertaining story. Perry takes risks with his casting choices, his style shifts (from melodrama to suspense), and his willingness to challenge viewer expectations. The movie may frustrate some viewers who expect a more moralistic or uplifting message from a Tyler Perry movie, but it also offers a chance for reflection on topics that matter to many people.
Awards: Temptation did not receive any major awards or nominations from mainstream organizations but was recognized by the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) for its portrayal of diverse characters.
Cinematography: Gruszynski’s cinematography captures both the glamor and the grit of modern cities. He uses handheld cameras and close-ups to convey intimacy and tension in dialogues and action scenes. He also uses wide shots and aerial views to highlight the beauty and majesty of landmarks such as the Capitol Building.
Opinion: Some critics have blasted Temptation as sexist or anti-feminist for its emphasis on adultery and temptation. They argue that Judith’s character is reduced to a stereotype of a weak woman who succumbs to male manipulation. Others praise Perry for exposing the complexities of female desire and ambition rarely explored in mainstream cinema. They argue that Judith is not a passive victim but an active agent who takes responsibility for her choices and learns from her mistakes.
Scenes: Temptation features several memorable scenes that showcase Perry’s talent for creating suspense and drama. One of them involves a fight between two women in a nightclub bathroom that escalates into a violent confrontation. Another involves a car accident that changes the course of the story and reveals some secrets about the characters. A third one involves a shocking revelation towards the end that tests Judith’s integrity and transforms her relationship with Brice.
Gossip: Like many Tyler Perry movies, Temptation generated its share of gossip and buzz. Some of it involved Kardashian West’s performance, which surprised many critics who expected her to be terrible or distracting. Others involved rumors about Perry’s own personal life, including his rumored feud with Spike Lee over their different approaches to black filmmaking.
Soundtracks: The soundtrack for Temptation includes some catchy and emotional songs that complement the narrative themes. Among them are “Fire We Make” by Alicia Keys and Maxwell, “Runnin'” by Naughty Boy featuring Beyonce and Arrow Benjamin, “Take Me To The King” by Tamela Mann, and “It All Belongs To Me” by Monica featuring Brandy.
Analysis: Temptation can be interpreted in various ways depending on one’s perspective and assumptions. Some viewers may see it as a cautionary tale about adultery and temptation, while others may see it as a critique of social expectations on gender roles and marriage. Some may see it as a melodramatic soap opera, while others may see it as an intense psychological thriller.
Special Effects: Temptation does not rely heavily on special effects or CGI except for some minor touches such as makeup or lighting. However, it does use sound design effectively to enhance the tension and emotion of key scenes. The music, ambient sounds, dialogue, and silences all contribute to creating a sense of immersion in the story.
Development: Perry has said that he got the inspiration for Temptation from real-life stories of people who faced infidelity or temptation in their relationships. He also wanted to explore the idea of a counselor who was not immune to her own advice but struggled to apply it. He wrote the script in two weeks and shot the movie in 16 days, which reflects his fast-paced and efficient style.
Dialogue: The dialogue in Temptation is a mix of Perry’s signature humor, pathos, and wisdom. Some lines may sound cheesy or preachy, while others may sound insightful or memorable. The movie’s theme of temptation inspires many metaphors and analogies that help us understand Judith’s inner conflicts.
Crews: Besides Perry’s regular collaborators, Temptation features some talented crew members who contributed to its look and feel. They include production designer Ina Mayhew, costume designer Johnetta Boone, makeup artist Beverly Jo Pryor, and hairstylist Kim Kimble.
Criticism: Some of the criticism aimed at Temptation focuses on its treatment of gender issues or its lack of originality. Some critics argue that Perry relies too much on melodrama and stereotyping to create conflict and resolution. Others argue that he overlooks significant social problems such as poverty or racism in his movies.
Production: Temptation marks another achievement for Perry in terms of his independent production model and media empire. He continues to challenge Hollywood norms by creating his own content, owning his own studio facilities, and promoting diverse voices and talents. He also uses social media effectively to engage with his fans and respond to his critics.
Editing: Hoy’s editing style for Temptation varies from scene to scene depending on the mood or tempo needed. She uses jump cuts, fades, dissolves, and slow motion to convey different emotions or ideas such as desire, regret, betrayal, or revelation. Some scenes may feel rushed or choppy, while others may feel leisurely or lingering.
In conclusion, Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor is a movie that deserves more attention and appreciation than it has received so far. It showcases Tyler Perry’s versatility and daring as a filmmaker who explores complex themes with a popular touch. It also features strong performances from its cast, inventive cinematography, and effective sound design. Whether you agree with its message or not, this movie will leave you tempted to think and feel beyond your comfort zone.
Technical Data
- Release : 2013-03-29
- Runtime : 111
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Jurnee Smollett as Judith, Lance Gross as Brice, Kim Kardashian as Ava, Vanessa Williams as Janice, Robbie Jones
- Crew : Kim Coleman as Casting, Eloise Crane Stammerjohn as Producer, Alexander Gruszynski as Director of Photography, Maysie Hoy as Editor, Paul Hall as Producer
- Revenue : 0
- Budget : 0
- Company : Lionsgate, Tyler Perry Studios
- Popularity : 17.73
- Summary : A marriage counselor’s personal and professional life becomes complicated after she enters into a relationship with one of her clients.
- Tagline : Betrayal burns forever.
