Review of Intolerable Cruelty

Introduction

Intolerable Cruelty comes from the Coen brothers. Some of you will be fans and some not. Me I`m an inbetweeny and like some of the films most of the time.
This one feels more commercial and deliberate but what does that mean? Surely all films have to be commercial or they don`t make money and the boys don`t get to make any more films.

The plot is straight out of the old school of comedy mix-up but with a modern twist. Miles Massey is an extremely successful divorce attorney. He has the reputation of being able to get settlements that no one else can. Of course he uses dirty tricks to get the results he wants. He`s bored now and seeks a new challenge. Along it comes in the shapely form of Marilyn Rexroth, soon-to-be divorced wife of Rex Rexroth. She is entirely innocent of blame in the divorce except for the little matter of being a cold-hearted gold digger. Leaving her penniless, Massey is disconcerted when she returns up some months later with another millionaire in tow .Can it be true love this time? It certainly looks like it, which is unfortunate because Miles is also in love with Marilyn.

Resonant of the screwball comedies featuring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn this film uses elaborate word play between its protagonists to get its laughs. There is also a little slapstick thrown in. The flimsy construction of plot is heavily bolstered by the addition of some stout supporting players. My personal favourite is the waitress in the diner closely followed by Gus `nail his ass` Petch.
Billy Bob Thornton and Geoffrey Rush are also used well in support roles.

Video

This film has a very slick and professional finish. As with many films from 2003 that refer to another era of film making there is an overt emphasis on the overall look. Much is made of the costumes and the stars of the piece glow in the old fashioned way. I`m assuming it`s a genuine all-American all year round tan.
The titles are nicely animated again referring back to a bygone age.

Audio

The music has the witty addition of a guitar-playing priest singing a number by Simon and Garfunkel. There are two or three S&G references and over the closing credits a great rendition of `The Glory of Love` and `The Boxer` in a bluegrass style.

The score is used to add to the comedic effect throughout

Again the script is ever important in this kind of film. There is one comment made by the waitress in a seedy diner that will be with me forever.

Features

This is not a disc to buy for its extras -they are thin on the ground indeed.

Documentary

This is more of a Featurette and a mutual back-patting session for all concerned.

Costume

Something for the trainee costumier-a very short documentary about the strategies of costume design.

Bloopers

A professional turn in bloopers this. With Clooney ever willing to play the clown there are plenty. A particular favourite is the choking on the water scene-such technique!

Conclusion

Call me superficial but I like this film. Its not Oscar winning stuff but all round competent performances from the stars with enjoyable back-up from its ensemble cast mean this makes an acceptable way to spend a couple of hours. It is not as distinctive as `Oh Brother Where Art Thou?` but mostly it works for me.

Intolerable Cruelty is an adult comedy that doesn`t get deeper than the veneer on Clooney`s teeth. Catherine Zeta Jones turns in a competent performance in a role that doesn`t demand a great deal of her because this is George`s show. He occasionally seems just too aware of his role but I`ll let that go. He obviously likes to keep his hand in and play around with his sex symbol status which is fine with me. Don`t look for any profound statements about love and lawyers but enjoy the whole shallow show.