In the Cut

Director: Jane Campion

Cast: Meg Ryan, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Damici, Sharrief Pugh

Genre: Drama 2003

Running time: 119 mins.

Rating: ★ ★½

Set in New York City during the summertime, the film is centered on Frannie Avery (Meg Ryan), a middle-class English teacher in the midst of researching a book project about colloquial language. One night she accidentally witnesses a sexual situation involving a suspected killer, which may make her valuable to a police investigation. When Detective Malloy (Mark Ruffalo) comes to herapartment to interview her about a neighborhood murder, she becomes intensely attracted to him. Although they are not sure if they can completely trust each other, Frannie and Malloy start up a passionate love affair. Meanwhile, the killer remains on the loose and the list of suspects includes Malloy's partner, Rodriguez (Nick Damici), and Frannie's student Cornelius (Sharrieff Pugh).

I'll admit that have a weak spot for a bit of sappy Meg Ryan movies such as; When Harry Met Sally, French Kiss, Sleepless Seattle, and You've Got Mail; however, over the past 10 or so years, I've given up on her being able to be in anything good or note worthy. In the Cut starts by ripping off the incomparable Heathers in using a cover of "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will be). It differs in that it doesn't set classic candy-coated intro of whats going to happen, but displays decay and almost misery in the streets of New York, while mixing in beauty cherry blossom petals snowing before introducing the characters. Meg Ryan as Frannie is surprisingly unannoying and gives a great performance. Mark Ruffalo on the other hand, I could do with out. This "I'm so 'New York' and tough" is almost comical and unbelievable. He does play an excellent creep, which sort of makes him tolerable in the movie. The first scene of the two characters, where they get physical, you're left thinking "Are you serious?" and "Wow, this is predictable!" 

The cinematography in the film is pretty good. The use of focus and blur with a red tint and the angles of the city are beautiful. Kevin Bacon portrays a brilliant small role as a metal unstable stalker, though, its uncredited. And though the dialogue is more true-to-life and Meg Ryan gives a great performance, is it a worthy while see? No not really. Unless you're curious in seeing Meg Ryan's boobs.