Our Rating: 1.00
For proof that nihilism just ain’t what it used to be, check out this inexplicable “erotic thriller,” which casts Meg Ryan as a schoolteacher whose self-esteem can only be expressed in negative numerals. After a woman is murdered outside her apartment window, the easily won Megster falls into a hot-and-heavy affair with the asshole cop (Mark Ruffalo) who’s pursuing the case. A smorgasbord of gratuitous sleaze ensues, complete with skeevy strippers, dismembered corpses, full-frontal nudity, cunnilingual discourse and even dog poop. The movie seems to consider itself a postfeminist empowerment tract (note the repeated image of a red lighthouse, which just might be a symbol for something), but it’s really just a two-hour invitation to watch people you hate have sex. Director Jane Campion plays ongoing games with focus, making it appear that much of the screen has been coated with Vaseline left over from Ryan and Ruffalo’s stanky rutting. Next time, try leaving the lens cap on.
This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2003.