There are date movies, chick flicks, and guys-nights out, and then there is the documentary Why Men Cheat. A film by Marc de Guerre for CBC’s Doc Zone, it is something that should be watched between you and your partner, and then discussed at length, whether or not you feel comfortable about it.

“I’ve always been fascinated with the differences in the way men and women experience things like commitment, love, honesty, faithfulness et cetera,” explains de Guerre during an email correspondence. “I’ve always been interested in male behaviour generally so I just put those two things together.”

The 45-minute documentary identifies some of the more salient acts of indiscretion and infidelity in popular culture as well as ancient history, seeking answers and commonality to why in fact men so often cannot stay monogamous creatures. Dan Savage is perhaps the most notable presence in the film, offering his thoughts, but author Christopher Ryan and Dr Justin R. Garcia are equally illuminating.

“Sexuality is a very complicated subject, and I wanted to try to cover as much ground as possible because all the various aspects of sexual behaviour – cultural, biological, sociological, historical – are all so interconnected,” continued de Guerre. Each facet is addressed in the film, and some certainly will leave you wanted to know more. You learn however, that strippers flock to Republican National Conventions, politicians flirt with risk, historic leaders possessed dozens of lovers, and Gloria Allred is your go-to sexual discrimination lawyer.

The title is meant to grab your attention, as are some of the images and words, and the inclusion of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the French former IMF Head arrested for sexual assault, is more an aberration than a point in a compelling argument. Still, the film offers myriad possible reasons, explanations, and examples to a common theme throughout history. Regardless of how you feel, where this film succeeds is presenting a variety of opinions, and while it never rests on one in particular, and in the end casually mentions that ultimately men are happier in a committed relationship, it fosters discussion.

“I find that the range of reaction to the film has been surprising broad,” said de Guerre. “Some men have been very negative about it, even calling it ‘anti-male’, and some women have been very supportive about the way the ideas are framed in the film. And vice versa. So I would keep an open mind about it!”

Which is sort of how one should view relationships. Or not. If the film teaches us anything, it’s that no amount of teaching, warning, or punishment is likely to stop people from doing what they want to do – but boy is it exciting!

Watch Why Men Cheat online at CBC’s Doc Zone: http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/episode/why-men-cheat.html