It is so refreshing to watch a movie with interesting people having thoughtful conversations. You'd think there'd be more of these films made each year. That's why I appreciate Neil LaBute's (In The Company Of Men, Your Friends and Neighbors) movies so much... because they are rare treasures, intended for adult minds, packed with originality and intelligence. This film is no exception!
Based on LaBute's play, which ran in London & New York City and featured the same cast of actors, this screenplay tells the story of Adam (Rudd) and his new girlfriend Evelyn (Weisz). As they first meet, Adam is a frumpy and sloppy student with insecurity issues and a penchant for quipping unfunny jokes. Evelyn is the definition of a rebellious artist who has no inhibitions and has a controlling personality. She gradually shapes Adam into a presentable young man who is losing his prudish habits much to the annoyance of his best friends, Jenny and Phillip (Mol & Weller).
As can be expected in a LaBute film, the characters drift to a controversial and powerful crescendo that will have you steeped in thought about the nature of the male/female dynamic and all of its ramifications.
All four actors are magnificent. They completely inhabit the characters, due in large part to the fact that they performed the play every night for over a year during the theatrical run. Paul Rudd makes a stunning physical and emotional transformation during the course of events. It's a performance that deserves some Oscar consideration. However, the best performance in the film belongs to Rachel Weisz. She is easily one of the most consistently masterful young actresses of this decade. No matter what type of film, Weisz is always interesting to watch. Gretchen Mol and Frederick Weller have smaller parts, but each is pitch-perfect. Mol is the antithesis of Weisz. She is demure, shy, elegant, conservative, subtle, kind, and pure. It is a beautiful juxtaposition of characters which is highlighted more and more as the film progresses.
'The Shape of Things' also sports one of the most memorable single shots in recent film history. It occurs toward the end of the movie and involves a breaking of the 'fourth wall'. A character stares directly in to the camera lens and leaves an impression that is simultaneously powerful and hilarious. I would love to have an enlarged screen-cell of that shot, framed behind glass and hung in my living room. It is a perfect cinematic moment!
This is easily one of the best films I will see all year. It should make my Top Ten List for 2003. Neil LaBute has fashioned a perfect compliment to his two previous efforts, In The Company Of Men & Your Friends and Neighbors. All three films are gorgeous examples of spectacular screenwriting that deal with the cruel complexities of modern-day adult relationships.
Based on LaBute's play, which ran in London & New York City and featured the same cast of actors, this screenplay tells the story of Adam (Rudd) and his new girlfriend Evelyn (Weisz). As they first meet, Adam is a frumpy and sloppy student with insecurity issues and a penchant for quipping unfunny jokes. Evelyn is the definition of a rebellious artist who has no inhibitions and has a controlling personality. She gradually shapes Adam into a presentable young man who is losing his prudish habits much to the annoyance of his best friends, Jenny and Phillip (Mol & Weller).
As can be expected in a LaBute film, the characters drift to a controversial and powerful crescendo that will have you steeped in thought about the nature of the male/female dynamic and all of its ramifications.
All four actors are magnificent. They completely inhabit the characters, due in large part to the fact that they performed the play every night for over a year during the theatrical run. Paul Rudd makes a stunning physical and emotional transformation during the course of events. It's a performance that deserves some Oscar consideration. However, the best performance in the film belongs to Rachel Weisz. She is easily one of the most consistently masterful young actresses of this decade. No matter what type of film, Weisz is always interesting to watch. Gretchen Mol and Frederick Weller have smaller parts, but each is pitch-perfect. Mol is the antithesis of Weisz. She is demure, shy, elegant, conservative, subtle, kind, and pure. It is a beautiful juxtaposition of characters which is highlighted more and more as the film progresses.
'The Shape of Things' also sports one of the most memorable single shots in recent film history. It occurs toward the end of the movie and involves a breaking of the 'fourth wall'. A character stares directly in to the camera lens and leaves an impression that is simultaneously powerful and hilarious. I would love to have an enlarged screen-cell of that shot, framed behind glass and hung in my living room. It is a perfect cinematic moment!
This is easily one of the best films I will see all year. It should make my Top Ten List for 2003. Neil LaBute has fashioned a perfect compliment to his two previous efforts, In The Company Of Men & Your Friends and Neighbors. All three films are gorgeous examples of spectacular screenwriting that deal with the cruel complexities of modern-day adult relationships.
Top Box Office
- 1.$72.5M
- 2.$50.1M
- 3.$5.0M
- 4.$4.6M
- 5.$4.6M
- 6.$4.1M
- 7.$3.6M
- 8.$2.5M
- 9.$2.5M
- 10.$1.1M