By: debbie lynn elias
At the premier for “Intolerable Cruelty”, arriving guests were asked what they considered to be an “intolerable cruelty.” Responses ranged from the humorous to driving manners (yeah, Bonnie Hunt!) to the serious. After seeing this film, I think we will all agree that one of the biggest intolerable cruelties in Hollywood is that we had to wait so long to see the pairing of Catherine Zeta-Jones and George Clooney. White hot sizzle, scintillating, sexy, electrifying, are just a few of the words that come to mind when describing these two
A throwback to those beloved battle-of-the-sexes screwball comedies of days gone by but with a bit of the Coen brothers elan, “Intolerable Cruelty” is the story of egomaniacal Miles Massey, a prominent Los Angeles divorce attorney who has everything—and in some cases, two of everything – impressive client list, respect of his peers, unequaled win record in the courtroom and an ironclad contract affectionately known as the “Massey pre-nup” named after him. But, despite all the fame and fortune, Miles is not a happy man. Seems that the man who has everything, feels he has nothing and he’s looking for new challenges in life.
Enter the intoxicating beautiful Marilyn Rexroth, soon-to-be ex-wife of Miles’ client, Rex Rexroth. Rex, a disgustingly wealthy real estate developer, seems to have a problem with ladies and his philandering has been captured in living color by none other than Marilyn; thanks in large part to her less then legitimate private investigator, Gus Petch. Armed with the evidence, Marilyn thinks she’ll be set for life once her divorce is final and that she’ll take Miles to the cleaners. But, think again. Thanks to Miles, Marilyn gets her divorce but that’s all. No houses, no limos, no servants, no diamonds, no perpetual charge accounts for life. She gets N-O-T-H-I-N-G.
Needless to say, a girl like Marilyn can’t live on looks alone (although she may try) and quickly schemes to get even with Rex and, more importantly, Miles. Needing capital to fund her little plan, Marilyn marries oil tycoon Howard Doyle, but as the plot thickens, a new wrinkle appears. Marilyn and Miles have an undeniable attraction to each other – not to mention levels of competitiveness that could get someone killed.
Written by the team of Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone, “Intolerable Cruelty” has more twists and turns than the snakes on the head of Medusa and the antics of Marilyn and Miles make the “War of the Roses” (you know the one, with Catherine’s real life husband) look like a Winnie the Pooh tea and honey party. And all the while you are laughing your ass off! But it’s not just the leads that have this twisted edge, the supporting characters are replete with more idiosyncracies and fetishes than you can shake a stick at and each actor zestfully embodies these little Coenesque touches.
Disappointingly, the technical aspects of this film are not on the same par as recent films that I’ve seen and/or reviewed. It’s the script and the incredible chemistry between Clooney and Zeta-Jones that make this film work and give it its edge. Although not in the same league as prior Coen works like “Fargo” or another Clooney vehicle, “O Brother Where Art Thou”, this is nevertheless one of their finest and most satisfying films.
Coen stalwart Roger Deakins returns as Cinematographer and although not dealing with grand scale scope as in “Fargo”, does an admirable job of crisply conveying the opulence, glamour and greed of Miles, Marilyn and the supporting characters. Costume Designer Mary Zophros also gets kudos for her high end work which only enhances and perfectly exemplifies each character and the overall feel of the film.
And what a cast of characters! Another Coen veteran, Billy Bob Thornton, turns in another eclectic and funny, performance as Howard Doyle, while a pony-tailed Geoffrey Rush, relegated to a small part as the husband of one of Miles’ clients, steals every scene he’s in. Edward Herrmann has perfected the role of the rich sniveling philandering husband since “Overboard” and is hysterical as Rex. Paul Adelstein finally gets some quality screen time here as Miles’ assistant Wrigley and is a perfect foil for Clooney. And I must confess, never a fan, Cedric the Entertainer won me over here as PI Gus Petch. He obviously took lessons from some of the slimeballs I’ve encountered in the legal field over the years. And it’s great to see Julia Duffy as one of Marilyn’s multiple-divorcee friends.
But, this is about George and Catherine from start to finish. Perfectly matched and perfectly cast these two are more perfect than Tracy and Hepburn. The premise of mutually distrusting romantics only connects the characters further. Although not written with him in mind, Clooney is a natural as Miles, walking that tenuous line between romantic and comedy lead with all the grace and style of Cary Grant. A master at suave humorous conceit, with every character Clooney has ever portrayed there is always some little idiosyncracy that he adds to the character giving an added depth and accessibility. Here, Miles is obsessed with his teeth and Clooney milks that little tic for all its worth, getting bigger and bigger laughs with each related action. Zeta-Jones as Marilyn, is not only stunningly electrifying all on her own but has a comic flair that when you put her with Clooney, lightening strikes.
As so succinctly stated by executive producer Brian Grazer, this is “a love story for anybody and everybody.” But, as opined by Joel Coen, it’s still a comedy and you’ll laugh. Glitz, glamour, comedy and Clooney and Zeta-Jones. Undeniably the funniest and most romantically funny comedy of the year.
George Clooney: Miles Massey Catherine Zeta-Jones: Marilyn Rexroth Cedric The Entertainer: Gus Petch Edward Herrmann: Rex Rexroth Billy Bob Thornton: Hoard Doyle
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Written by Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone. A Universal Pictures Release. Rated PG-13. (100 min.)
