‘Shape of Things’ brings uneasy laughs

No modern director depicts interpersonal relationships more viciously

than Neil LaBute, whose latest effort, “The Shape of Things,” runs

this weekend at Laguna South Coast Cinemas as part of its continuing

Weekend Foreign and Indie Film Series.

“The Shape of Things,” like LaBute’s first two movies, “In the

Company of Men” and “Your Friends and Neighbors,” delivers pain and

discomfort in such a thoroughly pleasant, laughable manner that the

viewer almost feels guilty enjoying LaBute’s material, but not quite.

Adam (Paul Rudd) -- a chubby, awkward English major -- and Evelyn

(Rachel Weisz) -- a gorgeous art-student feminist who describes

herself simply as an artist -- meet at the museum. Adam, who works

there, tries to stop Evelyn from defacing a statue senselessly

censored by a large, clay fig leaf, but he gets her number instead.

He doesn’t understand why she apparently likes him. Neither does the

audience.

When the engaged Jenny (Gretchen Mol) -- cute, sweet and dim --

and Philip (Frederick Weller) -- the kind of guy everyone wants to

punch in the face -- come along, the film becomes an uproariously

uncomfortable comedy without “jokes.” In spurts, at least. Tangled

amid the casual, uneasy conversations are sudden explosions of brief

disagreement and full-blown arguments, which appear more real than

most cinematic tiffs next to the authenticity of any combination of

the foursome’s strained chatting.

Like “In the Company of Men,” “The Shape of Things” has a

gut-wrenching twist ending, but unlike the former, which reveals its

plan early but stings nonetheless, “The Shape of Things” makes

viewers figure out what’s really going on by themselves.

The most refreshing thing about the film to those familiar with

LaBute’s previous work is that he’s clearly bounced back from his

bland period piece, “Possession,” and his decent but unspectacular

“Nurse Betty,” and returned to his early form. LaBute excels making

movies that look and feel like plays -- full of likable, grown up

liars and cheaters who never learned to have grown up relationships.

“The Shape of Things” should be of particular interest to Laguna

Beach’s art community. To those who have seen every art gallery and

exhibit in this city, “The Shape of Things” will show you something

new. Whether it’s art or not is up to you.

“The Shape of Things” plays at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at

Laguna South Coast Cinemas, 162 S. Coast Highway at Broadway. Tickets

are $8 for adults, $5.50 for seniors. Information: (949) 497-1220.