TNLF: The Shape of Things (70%)

***THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS***THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS***
***THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS***THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS***

Seduction Is An Art

Neil Labute's fifth film, The Shape of Things, is a return of old from his last two entry's as a director. It is a return to the type of cinema, and stuffed with his particular brand of character, that made him famous to begin with. It is, like his first two films, an adaption of a work he previously created on stage but pales in comparison to his previous works.

Not that The Shape of Things is a bad film. Not by any stretch of the imagination. It is well written, well directed, original, thought provoking and well acted (for the most part). It's just that some of the scenes seem a little forced, or for lack of a better word, underwhelming. Coming after In the Company of Men and Your Friends and Neighbors, The Shape of Things just feels a little weaker, a little simpler and a little less affecting.

There are only four actors in the entire picture: Paul Rudd, Rachel Weisz, Gretchen Mol and Frederick Weller. Rudd plays a nerdy, overweight neurotic who falls for and who's feelings are reciprocated by Weisz. Mol and Frederick play Rudd's friends. The story goes as follows: Rudd meets Weisz, they start dating and she slowly but gradually shapes him into a 'better' man while working on an art project. Weisz seems a little crazy and seems wrong for Rudd, while Mol who is engaged to Weller seems like she belongs more with Rudd.

Labute directs the film like a play. And like his first film, the only music heard acts as act breakers. Only this time instead of string versions of Metallica we get Elvis Costello (actual Costello, not covers). While I like Costello, his music wasn't as affecting as Apocolyptica's covers of Metallica tunes. Other than that, the entire film is dialogue driven. There is very little camera movement and many static shots, long scenes with long takes with long talks and long rants. While it is pleasant to watch, it does at times feel like it would be better as a play.

The cast that Labute uses here are the original four cast members from the play and all but Weller deliver excellent performances. Weller just isn't as strong an actor as the others and his performance at times feels forced, while at other times feels unnatural and at all times he just doesn't compare to the other three players. Rudd is excellent, funny and sad and transforms from the anti social nerd at the beginning into someone rather 'cool'. And all the while, from beginning to end, he remains likeable and even loveable.

Weisz on the other hand, other than her opening scene is utterly unlikeable. As the movie progresses she becomes less likeable and in true Labute form, by the end of the film she is excruciatingly intolerable. You hate her, you can't stand her, she is a real 'bitch'. She destroy's Rudd, the people around her and to some extent, herself, all in the name of art. It's been a few hours since I watched this movie for a second time and many a year since I watched it the first time and I have never been able to get the mean spirited Weisz out of my head. She is memorable and deplorable to the nth degree.

Labute, in his stage work and stage-to-film work never leaves the audience with a happy ending and this film is no different. It builds a relationship and then shatters all expectations to the floor. Then just when you hope it's going to get better, the end credits roll. This is what makes Labute films unique, fun (I know, they don't sound fun but they are) and watchable.

But The Shape of Things is far from perfect. Weller is a weak link in casting. Some of the dialogue and discussions don't ring as true as Labute's pervious work. They seem like a playwright wrote them while usually Labute's dialogue sounds natural and realistic. The music is okay, and would be much better if you are an Elvis Costello fan. (I like his music, but I'm not a huge fan.) There is plenty to laugh at as the movie plays out but at the same time there is a level uneasiness that creeps up throughout. On the whole though, the film seems to tame for it's subject matter and the ending ends up coming to soon. I'm sure it would work better on stage than it does on screen and maybe needed it just needed to be beefed up a bit for the silver screen.

While not a bad film, it is still fun to watch (even a second time), it is definitely Labute's worst film to date. I still recommend it though. It's worth at least one viewing. And if you liked In the Company of Men and Your Friends and Neighbors you will for sure enjoy this one. It's got laughs, it's got heart and it's got darkness. And as I've said before, if you are into dark humor, then The Shape of Things is well worth a viewing or two.

Film Rating: 70%

Breakdown (How The Shape of Things scored 70%):

Production Design: 7 out of 10
Cinematography: 7 out of 10
Re-playability: 7 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Costumes: 8 out of 10
Directing: 7 out of 10
Editing: 7 out of 10
Acting: 6 out of 10
Music: 6 out of 10
Script: 7 out of 10