Short Cuts

A bit like Love Actually on tequilla slammers, Short Cuts attempts to follow the stories of various loosely interrelated couples in dysfunctional LA. Starting from the bizarre premise of an insect infestation, it shows the seemingly perfect, the not-so-perfect and the all-out disastrous relationships as they tackle betrayal, alcoholism and yapping dogs. Director Robert Altman introduces the plots well, with poignant performances and an impressive cast portraying the range of jealousies and heartaches. Particularly memorable is Andi McDowell's middle-class family ripped apart by the hit-and-run that leaves eight year old Casey fighting for his life. Then there's the calculating pilot who meticulously rips apart his ex-wife's living room with a chainsaw. The scale of the film however prevents any emotional attachment to the characters. Flitting from one disastrous situation to another, the end result is a confusing montage of skinny-dipping, phone sex and young girls being bludgeoned with beer cans that will leave you yearning for the last three hours of your life back. [Katie Smyth]