Lantana

Marital stress hangs like an albatross around the necks of all the primary characters in this Australian ensemble piece in which an intimate web of rocky relationships evolves into a tangled, disconcerting mystery. When Leon Zat (Anthony LaPaglia), a cop with a brittle marriage, investigates the disappearance of Dr. Valerie Somers (Barbara Hershey)--who also happens to be Zat's wife's shrink--his ethics are put to the test as he spars with his main suspect, Somers' prickly, emotionally numb husband (Geoffrey Rush). Matters are further complicated when the woman with whom Zat is having an extramarital fling turns out to be involved as an eyewitness in the case. While chunks of the plot are driven by coincidental connections between characters (cleverly executed, but they feel like a crutch in the picture's last act), writer-director Ray Lawrence's deft, perceptive eye and ear for the delicate verbal and emotional intercourse of frayed human relationships outweigh the contrivances. Recommended. [Note: The DVD includes two notable extras: an in-depth commentary track by director Ray Lawrence, writer Andrew Bovell, and producer Jan Chapman; and a 43-minute "making of" with the production crew and actors Anthony LaPaglia, Geoffrey Rush, Barbara Hershey, and others. Bottom line: A fine extras package for a fine film.] (R. Blackwelder)