Bodies, Rest and Motion MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -2 1/2

BODIES, REST AND MOTION is an arty look at the "90's relationship." In dusty Enfield, Arizona, a twenty-something unmarried couple, Nick (Tim Roth) and Beth (Bridget Fonda) live together. Nick is a TV salesman and Beth a waitress. Beth's best friend and Nick's ex-girlfriend Carol (Phoebe Cates) lives next door. While Beth devotes herself to Nick, Nick is constantly over at Carol's house, either smoking or drinking. One day, Nick decides it is time to move on, and he leaves without Beth, who is devastated. The scenes switch back and forth between Nick's wild ride on the interstate and Beth and Carol's painful conversations. Enter Sid (Eric Stolz), a painter hired to paint Beth's house for the next tenants. He instantly falls in love with Beth and tries to convince her his feelings are genuine. Beth, still hurt from Nick's departure, doubts that "true love" can exist. After a night of passion, Beth is still unconvinced and decides to leave Sid behind. Nick, full of remorse, returns to find Beth gone. There is plenty of clever writing in this movie, and Eric Stolz plays an admirable romantic hero. On the other hand, the philosophy is only skin-deep and never inspiring.

On the verge of telling some important truth about relationships, the movie suddenly forgets its train of thought. Nick's analysis of his personal situation also applies to the story: "It'd be better if it meant something." Instead of developing relationships, the writer focuses on vulgar language, sexual situations, and general moral debauchery. Nick feels no compunction about stealing a TV at work or leaving his live-in girlfriend behind. He drinks and smokes constantly to numb his feelings. The free thinking New-Ager Sid is not much better, as he and Carol get stoned for fun one evening. In short, there seems to be no deep feeling between the characters. Even Beth and Sid, who have the most hope of having a normal relationship, end up apart. The message that a completely immoral life is the best we can hope for is depressing. Add to this two scenes of intercourse, several sexual innuendoes, 42 f- and s-words, and it becomes even more obvious Bodies, Rest and Motion is a waste of time.

Preview Reviewer: Greg Wilson
Distributor: Fine Line Features (NewLine) 888 7th Ave., 20th Floor, NY, NY 10106