I think it's at times underplayed more than anything. It's made clear that attachment is only part of Anakin's problem. Yeah, he wants to save Padme... but it comes down to what HE wants and the power HE needs. Anakin's issues were less about Padmé and more about his desire to control his life... and the people in it.

Like I said, if Lucas is guilty of anything, it's underplaying that. On the other hand, the alternative would be scene after didactic scene of Anakin brooding about how he needs more power to defeat this guy, more power to protect that chick, etc, and, at some point, saying that the Dark Side is really the only way to get there.