
The Proposition 1998
"One man gave up everything he owned. The other, everything he believed in."
Set against the backdrop of 1930s Boston, *The Proposition (1998)* weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, and hidden desires under the guidance of director Lesli Linka Glatter.
Director: Lesli Linka Glatter
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Proposition (1998)* about?
*The Proposition (1998)* is a drama set in 1930s Boston, where a priest avoids a prominent couple while exploring themes of love and sacrifice. The story unfolds as Eleanor and her husband Arthur turn to an unconventional solution for infertility, leading to unexpected emotional consequences.
Who directed *The Proposition*?
Lesli Linka Glatter directed *The Proposition*. Known for her work in both film and television, Glatter brings a distinctive atmospheric style to this period drama.
Who stars in *The Proposition*?
The film features an outstanding cast including Madeleine Stowe, Kenneth Branagh, William Hurt, Robert Loggia, and Blythe Danner.
Is *The Proposition (1998)* worth watching?
While *The Proposition (1998)* may not be a mainstream blockbuster, its rich character dynamics and period setting make it a compelling watch for fans of dramatic romances. The film's themes of love and moral conflict add depth, though its pacing might not appeal to everyone.
How long is *The Proposition*?
*The Proposition (1998)* runs for 110 minutes.
About The Proposition (1998) — A Forbidden Love Story in 1930s Boston
Set against the backdrop of 1930s Boston, *The Proposition (1998)* weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, and hidden desires under the guidance of director Lesli Linka Glatter. The film follows Father Michael McKinnon, a priest who arrives in the city with a mysterious past, deliberately avoiding its most influential figures, Arthur and Eleanor Barrett. As Eleanor and her husband Arthur struggle with the pain of infertility—compounded by Arthur's sterility—they turn to an unexpected solution: hiring a Harvard law student, Roger Martin, to father a child. Yet what begins as a transactional arrangement spirals into an emotional journey, as Roger finds himself ensnared in a web of forbidden attraction and moral conflict. Glatter crafts a moody, atmospheric drama that explores themes of repressed desire, social expectations, and the blurred lines between duty and emotion.
With a stellar cast led by Madeleine Stowe, Kenneth Branagh, William Hurt, and Robert Loggia, *The Proposition (1998)* delivers a slow-burning, character-driven narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. The film's lush cinematography and period-accurate settings envelop the audience in a world where passion and propriety collide, leaving viewers to question the sacrifices made in the name of love and redemption.