Synopsis
A philosophical burlesque, Human Nature follows the ups and downs of an obsessive scientist, a female naturalist, and the man they discover, born and raised in the wild. As scientist Nathan trains the wild man, Puff, in the ways of the world - starting with table manners - Nathan's lover Lila fights to preserve the man's simian past, which represents a freedom enviable to most.
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Cast
- Tim RobbinsNathan Bronfman
- Patricia ArquetteLila Jute
- Rhys IfansPuff
- Miranda OttoGabrielle
- Robert ForsterNathan's Father
- Mary Kay PlaceNathan's Mother
- Miguel SandovalWendall the Therapist
- Toby HussPuff's Father
- Peter DinklageFrank
- Rosie PerezLouise
- 80
Newsweek
Kaufman's new script isn't as inspired as "Malkovich." It's a precious little concoction -- the B-plus work of a madcap genius. - 75
San Francisco Chronicle
The result is a satisfying and original picture. - 70
The A.V. Club
Nature lacks a little of Malkovich's freshness, but that's just about all it lacks. - 63
Boston Globe
It's just weirdness for the sake of weirdness, and where ''Human Nature'' should be ingratiating, it's just grating. - 60
Washington Post
In truth, I didn't care much for it, while respecting it a great deal. It's self-consciously childish and "innocent," and everything is overdrawn to cartoon dimension. - 58
Entertainment Weekly
The movie is too cute to take itself too seriously, but it still feels like it was made by some very stoned college students. - 50
Washington Post
After some promising leaps, bounds and swings through a fascinating jungle of possibility, Charlie Kaufman's movie misses an all-important creeper. - 40
L.A. Weekly
Although a few moments are hilarious, this would-be romp remains laboriously earthbound when it should be swinging gaily through the trees.