INTOLERABLE CRUELTY
(Joel Coen / 2003 / US / 100 mins / cert. 12A)
(Fri 2nd, Sun 4th - Thurs 8th / 8pm / £4/3)
Starring Gearge Clooney, Catherine Zeta-Jones

Much controversy has been provoked by the Coen brothers' latest film, a battle-of-the-sexes comedy that distinguishes itself from their previous works by its apparent superficiality and conventional nature. Miles Massey (Clooney) is a successful LA divorce lawyer who, despite his wealth and status, feels something is missing from his glamorous lifestyle. When he uses his professional skills to ensure that Marylin Rexroth (Zeta-Jones) gets nothing in her divorce from his client, she vows revenge and the twisting plotline follows their mutual one-upmanship and increasing attraction.

With its references to The Thomas Crown Affair, and sarcastic representations of the amoral world of the very rich and those who pursue them, INTOLERABLE CRUELTY may not be the Coen brothers' best ever film. It is however a pleasure to watch, undeniably witty and a perfect antidote to those cold miserable January evenings.