‘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.
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