Human Nature Review
by Karina Montgomery (karina AT cinerina DOT com)July 11th, 2002
Human Nature
Matinee
Weird and wacky, but what else would you expect from the creators of Being John Malkovich? Written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry, Human Nature is quirky and it sticks with you. During the film, my companion and I spent a lot of time pointing little things out to each other; I am sure it would benefit from a second viewing. The press materials describe this film as a "philosophical burlesque." That marketing person earned his or her paycheck that day - no better phrase exists.
Tim Robbins is a scientist obsessed with training mice to learn table manners in the hopes of expanding this applied behavioral science to bigger and better things, when into his life drops actual feral man Rhys Ifans. No more perfect casting could there be than the fellow you might recall as Hugh Grant's roommate Spike in Notting Hill. Shaggy and bizarre, Ifans personifies the film, and also cleans up surprisingly well. He's a perfect subject for Robbins. Meanwhile, enter the bitter, conflicted hirsute naturalist Patricia Arquette, and this triangle of personalities and motivations drives the story through their three perspectives.
My companion has, in his scientific career, trained monkeys in certain behaviors, and he was alternately amused and horrified by the insane mockery of science in the scenes where Rhys is being trained. Horrified because operant conditioning is unfortunately portrayed as cruel and bizarre and pointless, thereby setting back his career image 30 years. Amused because Ifans is damn funny, in such a way as I cannot describe without ruining one of the funniest scenes of the film. Hint: It involves a standard projection screen and a shock collar.
What is human nature? Is it to be wild and naked and free, or to know the proper fork while you address the Duke as Your Grace? Should we live alone or seek a mate? How about monogamy? There are all serious questions but not handled seriously on the surface, instead putting the philosophy behind the burlesque until you come up with the answers on your own. It's quite funny. The different film stocks and the clever editing add a lot to the mood of the film as well.
Tim Robbins had been dialing in his movies since Nothing To Lose (in other words, since directing Dead Man Walking) and it is wonderful to see the old spark in him once again. He is nebbishy and arrogant and sexy and funny and revolting all at once, no small task. Arquette has always been my favorite of the Arquette clan, and she has quite a burden to bear, as her character is afflicted with the disease where you get thick wolfish hair all over your body, AND her best friend is Rosie Perez. She handles the granola/altrusim aspects of her role best, and the iron-spined warrior women least well. She is also very sensitive, which works well.
When in doubt, don't do what you really want to do, says the training. But I hope you see this movie.
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