list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around The Shape of Things on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/The_Shape_of_Things/220470/default.aspx Title: The Shape of Things
Year: 2002
Director: Neil LaBute
Plot: After a detour into lighter and more compassionate fare with Nurse Betty and Possession, Neil LaBute returns to the themes of his earlier films with this dark and corrosive look at male-female relationships. Adam (Paul Rudd) is a chubby, bespectacled nebbish of a college student who makes money in his spare time as a security guard at the university's art museum. One evening at work, Adam spies another student preparing to deface a statue -- Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), a beautiful art major who is offended by a fig leaf that's been used to "censor" a statue of a nude male, and is prepared to replace the disguised member with spray paint. Adam can't quite bring himself to kick Evelyn out of the museum, and she responds by giving him her phone number. Adam and Evelyn begin dating, and as she challenges his ideas about art and morality, she begins remaking Adam into the sort of boyfriend she'd prefer. Under her influence, Adam loses weight, gets contact lenses, changes his hairstyle, starts dressing better, and assumes a cooler and more confident personality. Adam's pal Philip (Frederick Weller) notices the changes in his friend and isn't happy with the way Evelyn has been molding Adam to her specifications. Adam and Evelyn have dinner one night with Philip and his fiancée, Jenny (Gretchen Mol), and before long Philip and Evelyn are at each other's throats as Adam and Jenny cower along the sidelines. The tensions between Philip and Evelyn exacerbate uneasiness between Jenny and her husband to be, while at the same time, Jenny and Adam begin to recognize a mutual attraction that's long lurked beneath the surface. The Shape of Things was adapted by LaBute from his stage drama of the same name; a selection of songs by Elvis Costello comprise the soundtrack. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 9
Number of Lists: 13
Number of blog posts: 2
Number of discussion threads: 3
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:01:15 GMTThe Shape of Things2002Neil LaButeAfter a detour into lighter and more compassionate fare with <a href=/films/154782/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Nurse Betty</a> and <a href=/films/208153/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Possession</a>, <a href="/players/P___222126/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Neil LaBute</a> returns to the themes of his earlier films with this dark and corrosive look at male-female relationships. Adam (Paul Rudd) is a chubby, bespectacled nebbish of a college student who makes money in his spare time as a security guard at the university's art museum. One evening at work, Adam spies another student preparing to deface a statue -- Evelyn (<a href="/players/P___216376/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Rachel Weisz</a>), a beautiful art major who is offended by a fig leaf that's been used to "censor" a statue of a nude male, and is prepared to replace the disguised member with spray paint. Adam can't quite bring himself to kick Evelyn out of the museum, and she responds by giving him her phone number. Adam and Evelyn begin dating, and as she challenges his ideas about art and morality, she begins remaking Adam into the sort of boyfriend she'd prefer. Under her influence, Adam loses weight, gets contact lenses, changes his hairstyle, starts dressing better, and assumes a cooler and more confident personality. Adam's pal Philip (Frederick Weller) notices the changes in his friend and isn't happy with the way Evelyn has been molding Adam to her specifications. Adam and Evelyn have dinner one night with Philip and his fiancée, Jenny (<a href="/players/P___223418/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Gretchen Mol</a>), and before long Philip and Evelyn are at each other's throats as Adam and Jenny cower along the sidelines. The tensions between Philip and Evelyn exacerbate uneasiness between Jenny and her husband to be, while at the same time, Jenny and Adam begin to recognize a mutual attraction that's long lurked beneath the surface. The Shape of Things was adapted by LaBute from his stage drama of the same name; a selection of songs by <a href="/players/P____86023/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Elvis Costello</a> comprise the soundtrack. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide9Taggedy Taggged (6-10)13233http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t35260w5wlp.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Shape_of_Things/220470/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/8/4/33522.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 8/4/2008 3:01:15 PM
Body: It’s funny how out of control a rumor can spin on the web. The Angelina Jolie as Catwoman “news” has to be at the top of the list of most reported unconfirmed rumors ever. And it’s sad that it’s not actually true, because after seeing Jolie in the dominatrix outfit she wears at the beginning of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, I’d be perfectly fine seeing her wear another tight black costume for a possible third Christopher Nolan-directed Batman movie. But who instead could play the part, if Jolie is indeed not interested, or not even offered the role (or, obviously, if Catwoman is not in the movie, as screenwriter David Goyer has apparently hinted)? One theory says that Maggie Gyllenhaal will return in the follow-up to The Dark Knight, this time donning a catsuit (Graeme at io9 strongly disputes the idea). Another terrible suggestion is to cast the too-cute Zooey Deschanel as the villainess. A far more interesting recommendation, from Catherine Bray, is Tilda Swinton. But I think the character needs to be a little sexier. Plus, I want to dismiss Bray’s idea on the principle that it’s included in the DenOfGeek list, which consists mostly of the usual hot young actress ideas that probably get thrown around for every casting decision like this. I’m actually shocked that Eva Green wasn’t anyone’s pick, as she’s one of those hot young actresses, and she’s done the “good and bad at the same time” thing in Casino Royale. She was even part of my list until a better candidate edged her out, mostly on the idea that we don’t need to see her replay Vesper Lynd in a Catwoman costume. So, who did make the cut? Check out my 10 favorites, in descending order, after the jump: 10. Halle Berry - She is a good actress, and she was a great sport in accepting her Razzie for playing the character in Catwoman, so wouldn’t it be neat if Nolan gave her a second chance at the part? It certainly fits with the nine lives thing. Plus, with a better script, better direction and, most importantly, a better outfit, the Oscar winner would do a much better job. 9. Cate Blanchett - Another Bob Dylan vs. Bob Dylan showdown! (The Dark Knight’s Christian Bale and Heath Ledger each portrayed Dylan in I’m Not There, as did Blanchett). And Nolan can round out the villain casting with Ben Whishaw as Riddler, Richard Gere as the Penguin and Marcus Carl Franklin as Anarky (or he could be Robin?). Seriously, though, after Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, I’m not sure we ever need to see her as another blockbuster villain. Besides, there’s other Oscar-caliber actresses who would be more enjoyable. 8. Penélope Cruz - Like this sexy Spanish lady, who I thought of for the role based on her line from Vanilla Sky, “I’ll see you in another life, when we are both cats.” Wait, would that mean Tom Cruise would have to appear as Catman? Hell, I’d deal with that if I got to see Cruz prance around with a tail attached to a form-fitting bodysuit. 7. Maggie Cheung - It’s been 12 years since Cheung wore a tight black catsuit for Assayas’ Irma Vep, but she’d still be damn hot as Catwoman. Unfortunately, she has retired from acting, last appearing in Wong Kar-Wai’s 2046 and Assayas’ Clean back in 2004. 6. Rachel Weisz - Something about her wonky eyes makes me think she’d be a good Catwoman. I can’t quite explain what I mean by that. She did a fine job as an attractive yet ultimately evil character in Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things, so there’s another point for her. 5. Emily Blunt - A well-meaning bitch in The Devil Wears Prada, I’d love to see Blunt do more of the same, only in a catsuit. In a way, she’s like my fill-in for the excluded Eva Green, since I continually mix up their names, and Prada costar Anne Hathaway, who too many people think is as good a choice. 4. Emily Mortimer - Basically my choice for the obscure, indie-cred slot, since I don’t agree with the Deschanel suggestion. Plus, I can see her building off her short stint as the two-faced “Phoebe” on 30 Rock in order to play a terrific villainess. 3. Emily Watson - The last of three candidates named Emily, Watson has always been my favorite love interest for Christian Bale (she’s played opposite “Batman” in Metroland and Equilibrium). Third time’s the charm, I say. 2. Marion Cotillard - I know, I’m probably including too many Oscar nominees and winners in this list, but after Ledger’s performance as The Joker, the role of Catwoman requires talent along with beauty. Besides, Michelle Pfeiffer was nominated for two Academy Awards prior to playing the part in Batman Returns and Halle Berry won an Oscar before giving her Razzie-winning performance in Catowman. So, as the most recent recipient of the Best Actress trophy, the chameleon-like star of La Vie en Rose seems the most appropriate. Oh, and some guy already did a rendering of what she’d look like. 1. Sean Young - The part she always wanted. And what fun it would be for Catwoman to be an older woman. You know, as in a cougar. Which is a kind of cat. There have been crazier ideas — though maybe not crazier actresses. However, Young’s unstable personality should make for an unpredictable and unbeatable performance. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:01:15 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com8/4/2008 3:01:15 PMIt’s funny how out of control a rumor can spin on the web. The Angelina Jolie as Catwoman “news” has to be at the top of the list of most reported unconfirmed rumors ever. And it’s sad that it’s not actually true, because after seeing Jolie in the dominatrix outfit she wears at the beginning of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, I’d be perfectly fine seeing her wear another tight black costume for a possible third Christopher Nolan-directed Batman movie. But who instead could play the part, if Jolie is indeed not interested, or not even offered the role (or, obviously, if Catwoman is not in the movie, as screenwriter David Goyer has apparently hinted)? One theory says that Maggie Gyllenhaal will return in the follow-up to The Dark Knight, this time donning a catsuit (Graeme at io9 strongly disputes the idea). Another terrible suggestion is to cast the too-cute Zooey Deschanel as the villainess. A far more interesting recommendation, from Catherine Bray, is Tilda Swinton. But I think the character needs to be a little sexier. Plus, I want to dismiss Bray’s idea on the principle that it’s included in the DenOfGeek list, which consists mostly of the usual hot young actress ideas that probably get thrown around for every casting decision like this. I’m actually shocked that Eva Green wasn’t anyone’s pick, as she’s one of those hot young actresses, and she’s done the “good and bad at the same time” thing in Casino Royale. She was even part of my list until a better candidate edged her out, mostly on the idea that we don’t need to see her replay Vesper Lynd in a Catwoman costume. So, who did make the cut? Check out my 10 favorites, in descending order, after the jump: 10. Halle Berry - She is a good actress, and she was a great sport in accepting her Razzie for playing the character in Catwoman, so wouldn’t it be neat if Nolan gave her a second chance at the part? It certainly fits with the nine lives thing. Plus, with a better script, better direction and, most importantly, a better outfit, the Oscar winner would do a much better job. 9. Cate Blanchett - Another Bob Dylan vs. Bob Dylan showdown! (The Dark Knight’s Christian Bale and Heath Ledger each portrayed Dylan in I’m Not There, as did Blanchett). And Nolan can round out the villain casting with Ben Whishaw as Riddler, Richard Gere as the Penguin and Marcus Carl Franklin as Anarky (or he could be Robin?). Seriously, though, after Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, I’m not sure we ever need to see her as another blockbuster villain. Besides, there’s other Oscar-caliber actresses who would be more enjoyable. 8. Penélope Cruz - Like this sexy Spanish lady, who I thought of for the role based on her line from Vanilla Sky, “I’ll see you in another life, when we are both cats.” Wait, would that mean Tom Cruise would have to appear as Catman? Hell, I’d deal with that if I got to see Cruz prance around with a tail attached to a form-fitting bodysuit. 7. Maggie Cheung - It’s been 12 years since Cheung wore a tight black catsuit for Assayas’ Irma Vep, but she’d still be damn hot as Catwoman. Unfortunately, she has retired from acting, last appearing in Wong Kar-Wai’s 2046 and Assayas’ Clean back in 2004. 6. Rachel Weisz - Something about her wonky eyes makes me think she’d be a good Catwoman. I can’t quite explain what I mean by that. She did a fine job as an attractive yet ultimately evil character in Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things, so there’s another point for her. 5. Emily Blunt - A well-meaning bitch in The Devil Wears Prada, I’d love to see Blunt do more of the same, only in a catsuit. In a way, she’s like my fill-in for the excluded Eva Green, since I continually mix up their names, and Prada costar Anne Hathaway, who too many people think is as good a choice. 4. Emily Mortimer - Basically my choice for the obscure, indie-cred slot, since I don’t agree with the Deschanel suggestion. Plus, I can see her building off her short stint as the two-faced “Phoebe” on 30 Rock in order to play a terrific villainess. 3. Emily Watson - The last of three candidates named Emily, Watson has always been my favorite love interest for Christian Bale (she’s played opposite “Batman” in Metroland and Equilibrium). Third time’s the charm, I say. 2. Marion Cotillard - I know, I’m probably including too many Oscar nominees and winners in this list, but after Ledger’s performance as The Joker, the role of Catwoman requires talent along with beauty. Besides, Michelle Pfeiffer was nominated for two Academy Awards prior to playing the part in Batman Returns and Halle Berry won an Oscar before giving her Razzie-winning performance in Catowman. So, as the most recent recipient of the Best Actress trophy, the chameleon-like star of La Vie en Rose seems the most appropriate. Oh, and some guy already did a rendering of what she’d look like. 1. Sean Young - The part she always wanted. And what fun it would be for Catwoman to be an older woman. You know, as in a cougar. Which is a kind of cat. There have been crazier ideas — though maybe not crazier actresses. However, Young’s unstable personality should make for an unpredictable and unbeatable performance. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/groups/Philosophy_of_Film/Re_Deception/281/6764/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: BigJeffLebowski
Post To: Philosophy of Film
Post Date: 4/5/2007 5:05:21 PM
Body: As far as manipulation is concerned, I'm much more offended by poorly executed music swells and slow motion. Even if you're watching a documentary, there's always an element of the artist's stamp. In Storytelling, there's a character who says "once you start writing, it all becomes fiction," which is certainly true to a degree. I was happy to see The Shape of Things brought up almost immediately. Aside from being one of my favorite films, it brings up one of the key philosophical tenets with I grapple almost daily: all reality is subjective, and our reactions are informed less by what actually happens than by a combination of how we perceive it and how aware we are of the deception and/or our bias. It isn't the act of deception which offends us so much as admitting that we were deceived. Would it be simplistic to say that being offended by Fargo's rather daft conceit indicates a more deeply seated sense of gullibility? Wouldn't that kind of reaction be better suited to something like a Michael Moore film, which shamelessly parades opinions (albeit ones which are largely supported by fact) as fact?
]]>Thu, 05 Apr 2007 21:05:21 GMTBigJeffLebowskiPhilosophy of Film4/5/2007 5:05:21 PMAs far as manipulation is concerned, I&#39;m much more offended by poorly executed music swells and slow motion. Even if you&#39;re watching a documentary, there&#39;s always an element of the artist&#39;s stamp. In Storytelling, there&#39;s a character who says "once you start writing, it all becomes fiction," which is certainly true to a degree. I was happy to see The Shape of Things brought up almost immediately. Aside from being one of my favorite films, it brings up one of the key philosophical tenets with I grapple almost daily: all reality is subjective, and our reactions are informed less by what actually happens than by a combination of how we perceive it and how aware we are of the deception and/or our bias. It isn&#39;t the act of deception which offends us so much as admitting that we were deceived. Would it be simplistic to say that being offended by Fargo&#39;s rather daft conceit indicates a more deeply seated sense of gullibility? Wouldn&#39;t that kind of reaction be better suited to something like a Michael Moore film, which shamelessly parades opinions (albeit ones which are largely supported by fact) as fact? http://www.spout.com/groups/Philosophy_of_Film/Re_Deception/281/6724/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Philosophy of Film
Post Date: 4/4/2007 3:55:58 PM
Body: I certainly think what you seem to be suggesting is appropriate here.No I have not seen The Shape of Things, but after just seeing In the Company of Men recently I don't doubt that LaBute could explore that subject quite well.And of course there is the question as to whether belief and truth are a complete dualism. I propose they aren't. Especially in storytelling and art.
]]>Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:55:58 GMTRisseladaPhilosophy of Film4/4/2007 3:55:58 PMI certainly think what you seem to be suggesting is appropriate here.No I have not seen The Shape of Things, but after just seeing In the Company of Men recently I don&#39;t doubt that LaBute could explore that subject quite well.And of course there is the question as to whether belief and truth are a complete dualism. I propose they aren&#39;t. Especially in storytelling and art. http://www.spout.com/groups/Philosophy_of_Film/Re_Deception/281/6722/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Puhnner
Post To: Philosophy of Film
Post Date: 4/4/2007 3:44:16 PM
Body: Not exactly part of your discussion above, but have you seen The Shape of Things?; it is a neat little tale of an artist's work...at the conclusion, I did not know whether to be infuriated or marvel at how much we want to believe, when we want to believe. The fact that the story in Fargo was/is fabricated does not trouble me, rather the interesting point to me is a presumption of 'responsibilty' for ones actions due to our beliefs....but it is off your subject.thanks for beginning this group and inviting me in, for I suspect it will prove fascinating.
]]>Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:44:16 GMTPuhnnerPhilosophy of Film4/4/2007 3:44:16 PMNot exactly part of your discussion above, but have you seen The Shape of Things?; it is a neat little tale of an artist&#39;s work...at the conclusion, I did not know whether to be infuriated or marvel at how much we want to believe, when we want to believe. The fact that the story in Fargo was/is fabricated does not trouble me, rather the interesting point to me is a presumption of &#39;responsibilty&#39; for ones actions due to our beliefs....but it is off your subject.thanks for beginning this group and inviting me in, for I suspect it will prove fascinating. http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutgirl/archive/2006/7/20/1906.aspx Post By: spoutgirl
Post To: spoutgirl Blog
Post Date: 7/20/2006 9:01:00 AM
Body: Ok, I watched this movie for the second time the other night. Why? I am not sure. I think because I wanted to get a different take on the situation. For those of you who haven't seen this, I would say, after you watch it, discuss it with someone, then watch it again. It's not that it appears to be a different movie the second time around, it's almost like you see things differently. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.. Has anyone else seen this? What are you opinions on it? How did you see her? How did you see him? Do you think he was better of in the end? I am curious.
]]>Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:01:00 GMTspoutgirlspoutgirl Blog7/20/2006 9:01:00 AMOk, I watched this movie for the second time the other night. Why? I am not sure. I think because I wanted to get a different take on the situation. For those of you who haven't seen this, I would say, after you watch it, discuss it with someone, then watch it again. It's not that it appears to be a different movie the second time around, it's almost like you see things differently. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.. Has anyone else seen this? What are you opinions on it? How did you see her? How did you see him? Do you think he was better of in the end? I am curious. http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/romance/MemberTagFilms.aspxromance
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