Ethan Frome (1993)

Based on Edith Wharton's 1911 novel detailing a forbidden love triangle, Ethan Frome (Liam Neeson) is torn between his joyless marriage to Zenobia (Joan Allen, Oscar nominated for NIXON and THE CRUCIBLE) and his longing for cousin and housekeeper Mattie Silver (Patricia Arquette). The film, by director John Madden would later direct the multi-Oscar winning SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, features a rare screen appearance by Katherine Houghton (GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER).AGE OF INNOCENCE is another Wharton novel with a similar theme.