The Shape of Things
The Shape of Things ★★ 2003 (R)
LaBute is back to his own skewed view of the world, taken from his 2001 play. Nebbishy Adam (Rudd) works as a guard at a college art museum. Evelyn (Weisz) is the art student who bedazzles him, and she begins to make him over into someone desirable, which angers his chauvinistic best friend Philip (Weller). But the “new” Adam sparks feelings in Philip's fiancee Jenny (Mol), who was once the object of Adam's unrequited affection. Never subtle, LaBute's intention to leave no cruelty unexplored is blatant and wears quickly. Despite the best efforts of the actors involved, the film's stage origins and LaBute's obvious direction combine to lessen the film's impact. 96m/C VHS, DVD . US Paul Rudd, Rachel Weisz, Gretchen Mol, Frederick Weller; D: Neil LaBute; W: Neil LaBute; C: James L. Carter; M: Elvis Costello.