The Shape of Things

Colour, 35 mm
USA, 2003, 97 min
Section: Horizons

Synopsis

Encounters between two people can be vary. Adam works as a museum guard. A self-confident student named Evelyn visits the museum and is shocked to discover that a sculpture of a naked man has been covered at the requested of the local prudes. Because she’s a woman of action she determines to “correct” this nonsense. The accidental encounter develops into a relationship. From the get-go, Evelyn has obvious influence over the shy and unassertive Adam. He soon becomes an attractive and self-confident man, a fact which cannot be overlooked by Adam’s former schoolmate and secret love, Jenny. She chose Philip over him but she starts to doubt her choice…. It wouldn’t be the real Neil LeBrute, who gained fame through realistic probes into the cruelty of human nature (In the Company of Men, 1997; and Your Friends & Neighbors, 1998), if he were satisfied with such a banal plot. He sets going a complicated interweaving of relationships, all the way to an unexpected and even shocking conclusion. LaBute drew the story for the film from his play of the same name and cast the same actors.

About the director

Neil LaBute (b. 1963, Detroit) graduated in theatre and film from Brigham Young University in Utah and continued his studies in Kansas and New York. He then got a literary scholarship to London’s Royal Court Theatre, and took part in Sundance Institute’s Playwrights Lab. Filmography: In the Company of Men (1997), Your Friends & Neighbors (1998), Nurse Betty (2000), Possession (2002) and The Shape of Things (2002). He is currently preparing the world premiere of his play The Mercy Seat.