Paul Thomas goes the Paul Thomas Anderson route with Sex & Violins, constructing a rich and complex mosaic of intertwining stories a la Magnolia.

The common fulcrum is a nightclub run by Steven St. Croix, where headliner Stefani Morgan, a bartender at the establishment, crosses paths with girlfriends Monique Alexander and Faith Leon, troubled couple Penny Flame and Chris Cannon, and a number of other supporting characters.

The most compelling story thread concerns Morgan and the incidental love triangle that unfurls between herself, her fiancé, Trent Tesoro, and his cop brother, Rod Fontana.

Roxy Jezel demonstrates an incredible flair for acting in this turn, and the grudgefuck between her and St. Croix is the hands-down hottest scene of the film. Not that the three-way lick-fest between Morgan, Alexander and Leon is anything to shake a stick at, please believe (and yes, we’re aware ironic pun there).

Once again, PT shows himself to be a master craftsman beyond practically any contemporary in this industry.

Retailing: A great box cover, a great director and a great movie. The result: a great sell.

— Peter Warren