DVD Review: Shape of Things, The (B+)

Shape of Things, The (2003)
Directed by Neil LaBute
Starring Rachel Weisz, Gretchen Mol, Paul Rudd and Fred Weller
MPAA: R
Grade: B+

Review by Scott Standish

Neil Labute (Nurse Betty) has a fantastic knack for dark comedy infused with intelligent ideas. The Shape of Things continues this trend and if you are looking for a nice change of pace film, give this fine independent feature a try.

Evelyn's is a performance artist wanna-be that falls for the dumpy but lovable Adam (Paul Rudd). It's Adam and Eve time folks, and Adam will do whatever it takes to win Eve's heart. In turn, she embarks on a project of transforming her new boyfriend. She helps him lose weight, gain confidence and dramatically change his life for what he readily admits is "for the better". However along the way she alienates him from his friends (Mol and Weller) and starts to make some hefty demands of the smitten young man. How much should one person change for their spouse? Should they change at all? These are the questions behind this excellent indie and like all good movies, it leaves the audience with a little something to think about.

Paul Rudd has delivered some outstanding performances in smart comedies over the years. He was Alecia Silverstone's love interest in Clueless (an underrated comedy in my opinion) and also was fantastic in 200 Cigarettes (another underrated film). My guess is that this film will sneak past the critics as well, but it needed sneak past you.

Based on his own play, Neil LaButes The Shape of Things is an interesting dark comedy that is highly recommended.

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