The Shape of Things

The conceptual hiccups in Neil LaBute's latest thorny psychosexual drama--a thought-provoking contemplation of the lengths people will go to for love, or what they think is love--cannot be discussed without giving away the startling twist the film takes in its last act. But it can be said that in adapting his own play, the writer-director didn't augment the characters and settings with the depth and definition necessary to flesh out a stage production for the screen. Paul Rudd stars as Adam, a frumpy, unassertive, college English major who comes under the lifestyle-altering influence of a sexy, puckish art student (Rachel Weisz) whose dubious interest and affection Adam desperately clings to because he hardly believes in it himself. But even as his changes (losing weight, gaining self-confidence) grow more extreme (Weisz talks him into getting a nose job), various complications arise, such as broken friendships, and unrequited loves showing renewed interest. Psychologically compelling, the film nevertheless fails to rise above its stage bound origins (the characters have no life beyond these few relationships, and no one ever goes to class). Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by writer-director Neil LaBute and costar Paul Rudd, a four-minute “From Stage to Screen” intro by LaBute, a three-minute “Welcome to Mercy College” promo segment with the cast in character, and a trailer. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing film.] (F. Swietek)