By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 1.5 cats
Director: Jane Campion
Starring: Jennifer Jason Leigh | Mark Ruffalo | Meg Ryan
Country: australia, united_kingdom, united_states
Year: 2003
Running time: 119
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0199626/combined
Bruce says: “This film is a textbook for fatal flaws in filmmaking. With one exception – an absolutely perfect performance from
Mark Ruffalo – IN THE CUT is a total mess. Mark Ruffalo knows his character and captures every earthy, twisted, tough, sexy part of him. I frequently think of his stunning performance in YOU CAN COUNT ON ME. Right now I’d see any film he was in just to catch another glimpse of him in action.
“Meg Ryan plays Frannie Avery a teacher who seems very confused about where boundaries lie. She infuses every situation with sexual tension and often acts on her sexual urges in spite of her intelligent self telling her that it is all wrong. Having read the novel, I was privy to the fact that Frannie’s sexuality is a complicated prelude to a death wish. Since the ending of the novel has been totally changed for the film, it is difficult to know the true essence of the character as it is presented on screen. Whatever Meg Ryan’s talents may be, such a complex psychological role is way beyond her range. Jennifer Jason Leigh who plays Frannie’s
half-sister Pauline, is just plain bad in a poorly written role. Kevin Bacon’s character is flaky. He probably could have done something with the part, had it not been written so abysmally.
“Set in New York, we frequently glimpse gardens which could not possibly be found in New York City and buildings which do not ring architecturally true. The fact that Sydney Australia doubles for New York in many scenes has a lot to do with it.
“Flashbacks of the girls’ father proposing to Frannie’s mother within minutes of having his engagement ring returned from a fiancée feel like they belong in another film. In sepia tones, they are awkward and somewhat dopey.
“A couple of other things about IN THE CUT make little sense as well. Frannie is fascinated by New York subway poetry and attempts to fit their words into the context of her life in a sophomoric way. Oh, no. Frannie also tutors a kid from one of her classes in a bar where people are having sex on premises. Oh, Frannie!
“Should you see this film just remember why: Mark Ruffalo.” 1.5 cats