Review of The Shape of Things (2003) by Rick E — 22 Mar 2004

Odds are if you?ve ever been in a relationship, you?ve changed something about yourself as a result. Whether it is physical, behavioral, or environmental, we all make some sort of change hoping to make ourselves look better to our mate. The question is: Do we make those changes because it?s what WE want, or do we make them because, in some subtle way, we think it?s what THEY want? How much do casual observations by someone we love affect the way we view ourselves and our desire to please them? These are the questions pondered by writer/director Neil Labute (In The Company of Men, Nurse Betty) in The Shape Of Things.

Rachel Weisz (The Mummy, Runaway Jury) is Evelyn, a beautiful art major who takes an interest in nerdy Adam (Paul Rudd). As their relationship develops, Adam evolves from ugly duckling to swan. His transformation is dramatic and it eventually begins to complicate his relationships with best friends Phillip (Fred Weller) and Jenny (Gretchen Mol). When Evelyn reveals her true motives, Adam learns that nothing is as it seems.

Weisz is a delight. She has a screen presence that is riveting and she pulls off her character?s charade with convincing aplomb. Rudd (200 Cigarettes, Clueless) is funny and touching as he morphs from quintessential dork to confident hunk. Mol (Music From Another Room, Attraction) does fine work as a girl struggling to remain true to her friendship with Adam (and her engagement to Phillip) even while harboring romantic feelings for him. And Weller (The Business of Strangers, Cash Crop) is appropriately cocky and obnoxious as the best friend who is ultimately a very unlikable guy.

Although it becomes clear where the relationship between Evelyn and Adam is headed, it is handled in such a mean-spirited way that it erases every feel-good moment that preceded it. We instantly realize just how cold and calculating Evelyn is and the destruction wrought on Adam?s psyche is palpable. There is no happy ending to be had and I was left feeling just as jilted and angry as Adam.

The Shape of Things has moments of witty and insightful dialogue, fine performances, and an interesting premise that failed to resonate with any real clarity.