Bodies, Rest & Motion (1993)

52% of critics liked it
(29 reviews)
37% of users liked it
(1,471 ratings)

Michael Steinberg, co-director of The Waterdance, made his solo directorial debut with the Gen-X character study Bodies, Rest & Motion. Written by Roger Hedden, based on his own play, the film's title refers to Newton's First Law of Motion, which states essentially that a body at rest or in motion… More Michael Steinberg, co-director of The Waterdance, made his solo directorial debut with the Gen-X character study Bodies, Rest & Motion. Written by Roger Hedden, based on his own play, the film's title refers to Newton's First Law of Motion, which states essentially that a body at rest or in motion will remain in that state until acted upon by an external force. The film is set in the desert town of Enfield, AZ. Nick (Tim Roth) is a feckless television salesman who gets fired and impulsively decides that he and his girlfriend, Beth (Bridget Fonda), will move to Butte, MT, which he's read is "the city of the future." "I read that a while ago, so the future should be there by now," he enthuses. He waits until the last moment to tell Carol (Phoebe Cates), his ex and Beth's best friend, about the move. While Nick is working his last day, Sid (Eric Stoltz) comes to the couple's house to paint it for the next tenants. He quickly develops an interest in Beth. He, Beth, and Carol get stoned and hang out. When Sid hears about the move, he tells Beth that he's never left Enfield, and has no interest in traveling. Meanwhile, Nick decides to take off on his own. When Beth gets word of this from Carol, she finds solace in Sid's arms. Sid proclaims his love the next morning, and implores Beth to stay. Meanwhile, Nick visits his childhood home, looking for his parents, has an epiphany, and decides to return to Carol. The film features Alicia Witt (Urban Legend) in her first substantial part. There's also a very brief cameo by Peter Fonda, Bridget's father. Hedden would go on to collaborate with Stoltz again on Sleep With Me and Hedden's directorial debut, Hi-Life. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Michael Steinberg
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1993 Wide
On DVD: Jun 24, 2003
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Uncompelling but moderately engaging.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
The film squeaks in its joints whenever it tries too hard to make a 'generational statement,' and may annoy you with its glibness, but it manages to hold one's interest -- surprisingly at times, given the lightweight characters.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
The other actors share an easy, appealing rapport and a flair for dry understatement, which is the film's prevailing tone.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
In an era when many motion pictures are going for 'big,' it's nice to see well-known actors in a 'small' film like this.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
It has barely enough wisdom to fill a fortune cookie but it's no pain to sit through.
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
Every generation spends a while in the navel observatory before learning that it's a shallow, lint-clogged pursuit.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The strength of it, the subtext of revolving door relationships, would have been better served if allowed to remain more subtle.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Excruciating.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
A laid-back look at youthful rootlessness which never really catches fire.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
The narrative applies Newton's famous law to charcaters that are in rest (more inertsia here), forced to move by an external stimulus. The acting is good, but overall a static, venetless feature.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
It's overall well-acted but often too stupid to bear.
Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com
A generally winning romantic comedy possessing an unusual degree of self-importance, Bodies, Rest and Motion works primarily because of its likable cast.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Annoying.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
Not much motion, but plenty of reason to rest
Oz, eFilmCritic.com
This movie always reminds me of why I dig Eric Stoltz.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Chosen 7

Good indie film.
Ashton R

This movie would probably be less than mediocre if it wasn't for Tim Roth (I know; I'm a bit biased, but he's a great actor!). His characater is quite despicable, but absolutely hilarious. The story is pretty standard, but has a certain charm that keeps you watching.… More
This movie would probably be less than mediocre if it wasn't for Tim Roth (I know; I'm a bit biased, but he's a great actor!). His characater is quite despicable, but absolutely hilarious. The story is pretty standard, but has a certain charm that keeps you watching. Fans of Roth should watch this, but it's probably not for most people.