Here are some cautionary tales about romance in the age gap.
Love Is the Devil: A Portrait of Francis Bacon (1998) is directed by John Maybury. This portrait of the great British artist revolves around his tumultuous love affair with a younger man. The look of the movie is very much inspired by the artist’s work, and is a visual feast.
Lolita (1997) is directed by Adrian Lyne. A professor seeking a boarding room ends up marrying his landlord in order to be closer to her young daughter. Through unforeseen circumstances, he is able to develop his role beyond that of a stepfather. Lolita is a very controversial movie due to the obvious subject matter.
Fish Tank (2009) is directed by Andrea Arnold. A rebellious teenage girl competes for the affections of her mother’s boyfriend. Her coming of age has lessons concerning herself, and the harsh realities of human nature. The movie is not rated due to its strong content.
Behind the Candelabra (2013) is directed by Steven Soderbergh. Liberace was a flamboyant character in life, and that spirit is certainly captured here. Power and relinquishment are in the subtext of this turbulent relationship between the famed pianist and much younger partner Scott Thorson. Their entanglement is as dramatic as the man himself.