Neil LaBute’s fifth feature film (following such indie hits as In the Company of Men and Your Friends and Neighbors) came and went pretty quietly in 2003, despite featuring such current luminaries as Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz (as well as Gretchen Mol). Based on LaBute’s play of the same name, it follows the pattern he set of focusing on gender dynamics, featuring brutal, often funny dialogue and low production values. While never reaching darling/cult status or commercial success, it was generally well-received and remains a conversation starter to this day for the man who Championed the film, Dan Gvozden of Grind My Reels. Dan and his selection beat out a number of larger films to win the MOTM poll and as such, hosted the MOTM segment of the LAMBcast (see below).
Before we get to the links, here’s the IMDb summary for the film, for those that aren’t familiar with it:
“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.”
Now, let’s see what your fellow LAMBs had to say about it. Thanks to the dynamic duo of LAMBs that sent in their posts for this edition of the MOTM.
* missemmamm
* Public Transportation Snob
It’s also time to vote on next month’s movie. Once again, I put out the call for MOTM Champions. The gist is this: I ask for volunteers – people to select a film to be placed on the poll (up to 10 per month, as usual), then promote it on their site, Facebook, Twitter, whatever. Should their film win, they are guaranteed a spot on the LAMBcast episode where we will discuss said film. As a bonus (?), they will also get to host that segment of the show. Also, Joel likes me to mention that if you happen to campaign for your selection on your blog, he’d be happy to put up a Plug for it on the LAMB.
This month, we have four Champions – the sites are listed along with the films in the poll below. You have one week to vote (and promote your movies!). I’ll be putting out the call for the next MOTM in a few weeks, so stay tuned.
As we do every month, the LAMBcast is tied in with the MOTM. This time around, as mentioned, Dan hosted the MOTM segment, and was joined by Rachel, Lindsay, Jess and Dylan.
Also on tap:
* Rants and Raves of the Week
* Last LAMB Standing
A couple notes:
* The show can be found, of course, via iTunes – just do a search for “LAMBcast.” Also, I always post a link to the show on the LAMBcast’s Facebook page, and there’s a player there if you’d like to listen online.
* Shows will eventually make their way to the LAMBcast Archives. If you’d ever like to catch up on back episodes, go there.
If you’re interested, you too can be a LAMBcaster – we love new blood! For more information on the LAMBcast, check out the topic at the LAMB Forums. Music provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod’s Incompetech website. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service. Opening song by Cake. The LAMBcast loves feedback, too – if you’d like yours read on a future show, leave it in the comments section at the LAMB. Please visit and like our Facebook page, and finally, we’re on iTunes, and would still love a review, even if it’s a bad one.
Thanks for listening!
Tags: French Toast Sunday, Grind My Reels, Man I Love Films, Reel Insight, The Shape of Things