By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.75 cats
Director: Roger Avary
Starring: Ian Somerhalder | James Van Der Beek | Jessica Biel | Shannyn Sossamon
Country: germany, united_states
Year: 2002
Running time: 110
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0292644
Laura says: “The story is stuffed with sidetracks, such as Sean’s attempt to get paid back by a hilariously out-of-it Marc, and segues like his visit to the coke-addled townie (Clifton Collins, Jr., TRAFFIC) he owes and unwisely provokes. Paul’s called home to visit mom (Faye Dunaway), but she and childhood friend Dick’s mom (Swoozie Kurtz) wash pills down with Tom Collinses at a lunch Dick (Russell Sams in an outrageously memorable bit part) tips into FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS territory. A reference to Victor takes us on a mini-whirlwind trip to Europe that could stand on its own (Avary is reportedly considering fleshing this out into another feature), just before Victor returns to disillusion Lauren.
“The soul-bereft students who attempt to stagger out of the cesspool all end in a state of rage that’s at least more self aware than the vapid debauchery going on within. Innocence, most horribly embodied by the cafeteria girl who’s really writing those purple notes to Sean, is not only lost, but trampled on.” 4 cat
For Laura’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/therulesofattraction.htm”
Robin says: “Director/writer Roger Avary, who made his helming debut with his 1994 film KILLING ZOE and co wrote the Cannes Palme d’Or winner PULP FICTION with Quentin Tarantino, returns to the helm for his sophomore effort, THE RULES OF ATTRACTION. He begins his modern tale of college life, where attending class takes a distant back seat to the frequent wild parties, such as The End of the World Party and the very popular The Dress to Get Screwed Party, with virginal Lauren tying one on and hoping she’ll get together, in an intimate way, with Victor. Things don’t go as planned and she passes out, only to wake up to the thrusts of a party crashing townie while being video taped by a film student. As the local kid starts to toss his cookies the action reverses and time rolls back through the party to Paul.
“Paul is intent on scoring with a member of the sex, any sex, but he really wants to do Sean. He hooks up with another drunken student but his new friend objects, strongly, to Paul’s amorous advances. Again, the camera runs backward and rests upon the battered face of Sean who is obviously in an extremely agitated state and, though really interested in Lauren – see her situation above – he ends up going through the motions with another coed (Kate Bosworth). Avary uses this device of running back time to good effect as he changes the camera’s direction when it starts running forward again, introducing the various characters in a clever and imaginative way.” 3 1/2 cats
For Robin’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/therulesofattraction.htm”