SHAPE OF THINGS, THE
Released: May 9, 2003
Quiet, unassuming Adam (Paul Rudd) is changing in a major way, thanks to his new girlfriend, art student Evelyn (Rachel Weisz). Adam's friends (Gretchen Mol and Fred Weller) are a little freaked by the transformation. Directed by one of my fave directors, Neil LaBute, this is another of his dark storylines where people act out how they really feel without exercising pleasantries or basic manners. Like his past films "In The Company Of Men", "Nurse Betty" and "Possession", this movie continues on in this vein with "The Shape Of Things". Rudd's character changes himself based on what Weisz says, without realizing she is using their relationship as a class project. None of these characters are very likable as they generally act without thinking of others. That's LaBute's style though. He likes making movies where characters confront each other and swear up a storm, occasionally beating each other up. If you liked "Nurse Betty", give this one a try...
96 Minutes
USA Films/Focus Features