neumu [ cinematronic ]




	In The Cut
	Jane Campion Meg Ryan, Mark Ruffalo, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Damici, Sharrieff Pugh 2003		At first, "In the Cut" tantalizes. It's a watchable erotic crime thriller, acted daringly and acutely by Meg Ryan and Mark Ruffalo and directed by Australia's Jane Campion ("The Piano") with flair and an assured rhythm that shifts from New York urban pulse to dreamy reverie and back again. Then, it's undermined by farfetched plot devices and its way-too-solvable mystery. Still, the ride to the climax is freaky and, ah, scenic. Ryan plays restrained New York City writing teacher Frannie, whose sister (an eccentric Jennifer Jason Leigh) encourages her to pursue an affair with handsome, coarse detective Malloy (Ruffalo). He's investigating a murder that occurred near Frannie's apartment. Upon meeting her, he's eager to jump her bones. While she's wary of involvement, she's drawn to him, too. As they couple up, a question looms: What of the killer on the loose? With its frank sex scenes and unashamed nudity from stars Ryan and Ruffalo, "In the Cut" has an adult sensibility far removed from Hollywood's mainstream. It's odd to see American sweetheart Ryan in something so blatantly carnal, but she was up to the task, as was Ruffalo. It's sad that "In the Cut" lets them and us down. With a tasty cameo by Kevin Bacon.