One Night Stand (New Line Cinema), the latest from director Mike Figgis, tries to unite vastly differing aspects of life, such as a fatal disease and adultery, into one story. Surprisingly, it works.

Wesley Snipes (Murder at 1600) plays Max Carlyle, a Los Angeles-based commercial director who is in New York on business. While visiting his best friend Charlie (Robert Downey Jr., Home for the Holidays), who is HIV positive, he encounters Karen, a stunning blonde (Nastassja Kinski, Tess).

Max and Karen, both married, have a one night stand. But it is not a clear-cut case of cheap infidelity. Karen is no predator, and both she and Max resist temptation multiple times.

Max returns to his wife Mimi (Ming-Na Wen, The Joy Luck Club) and their two kids. It quickly becomes obvious that Max’s life is out of control. His job is at risk, his marriage is in crisis and he cannot forget Karen.

At this point, rather abruptly, the film fades out and resumes one year later. Max has returned to New York to be with Charlie as he battles the last stages of AIDS. Vernon, Charlie’s brother, (Kyle MacLachlan, Trigger Effect), Mimi and Vernon’s wife also are with Charlie.

But there’s a catch – Vernon is married to Karen. It is a small world.

Max and Karen go through some pretty awkward situations that spark nervous laughter from the audience. The tension between them builds to a surprising conclusion that is entirely satisfying.

The film changes direction several times and battles dark undertones that are not necessary. The film’s main weakness is in its pacing. It takes too long for the one night stand to take place, and the film is rushed and chaotic at the end.

Robert Downey Jr. (Restoration) deserves praise for his role as Charlie, the flamboyant dance director whose battle with AIDS gives the film its haunting quality. Downey Jr.’s deathbed conversations with Max are unforgettable.

The film opens Friday.

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