The Shape of Things (2003)

A quiet, unassuming man begins to change in a major way as a result of meeting a new, art-student girlfriend, and his friends are unsettled by the transformation.

Director:

Neil LaBute

Writers:

Neil LaBute (play), Neil LaBute (screenplay)

Stars:

Paul Rudd, Rachel Weisz, Gretchen Mol

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Gretchen Mol	...	Jenny
Paul Rudd	...	Adam Sorenson
Rachel Weisz	...	Evelyn Ann Thompson
Frederick Weller	...	Phillip

Storyline

While visiting an art museum, a nerdy college student named Adam meets an iconoclastic artist named Evelyn and is instantly smitten. As their relationship develops, she gradually encourages Adam to change in various ways that surprise his older friends, Jenny and Philip. However, as events progress, Evelyn's antics become darker and darker as her influence begins to twist Adam and his friends in hurtful ways.

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Plot Keywords:

male objectification | student | friend | art | museum | 

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Taglines:

Seduction Is An Art

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some sexuality

Details

Country:

USA France UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 May 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Forma das coisas

Filming Locations:

Point Fermin Park - 807 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$173,246, 11 May 2003, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$732,241, 15 June 2003

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mepris Films, Pretty Pictures, StudioCanal

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Was originally a play starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz, which played in London in the summer of 2001.

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Goofs

In the park scene where Adam and Jenny kiss, Adam's nose looks normal, but at this point he hasn't had the surgery yet. The surgery happens in the next scene.

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Quotes

Phillip: I just hope the next time we pass each other, I recognize who the hell you are.

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Connections

References Kung Fu (1972)

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Soundtracks

Lover's Walk
Written by Elvis Costello
Performed by Elvis Costello and The Attractions
Courtesy of Demon Music Group, Ltd., by Elvis Costello
By Arrangement with Rhino Entertainment Co. and Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Like spending two hours with evil

While a well done film, it's not enjoyable. There are enough mean people in the world without voluntarily subjecting yourself to another one that is the heart of this film. Rachel Weisz plays convincingly in this film as a heartless art student who subjects Paul Ruud to her talents as a sculptor of humans. The best thing about this film is Paul Ruud's subtle transformation from geek to chic. By the end of the film, you've realized how convincing his change was. However, just because a movie is well made and well acted does not mean it is worth watching. When I left this movie, I felt as if I had spent two hours in the company of evil and meanness. If you like a think piece that leaves you feeling negative, then this is the perfect movie. But if you're looking to spend your hard earned money on a movie that leaves you feeling better for having spent it, choose another flick.