Today we went to the theater to see the new movie “Whatever Works.” (official site, wikipedia) It’s the latest comedy from writer and director Woody Allen. It stars Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson, Michael McKean, Ed Begley Jr., and others. Those of you who know me also know that I am a huge Woody Allen fan and that I consider him among the best film directors ever. Not to mention a heck of a writer too. So, I am not exactly objective about his movies. All of his films have at least something to offer, though there are a number of them that are “lesser”. This is not one of them. IMNSHO, this is a VERY funny comedy and I highly recommend it.
Keep in mind that Larry David’s (main) character is a misanthropic, bitter, and mean man, not a likeable character. But we still like watching him even as we are astounded and shocked by the things he says. Evan Rachel Wood plays a young southern beauty pagent winner, with a southern accent and a less-than-stellar IQ.Her dimness is played for fun but the film also shows her inner goodness, her heart and her growth. The rest of cast is all good too. And the story takes many turns, some predictable but some surprising.
I know this movie is funny. How do I know? Well, I laughed quite a bit. But as I said earlier, I may not be totally objective. But my wife also laughed quite a bit and said it was of his better efforts. She’s not a big fan of Woody but does usually end up going to his films with me and usually thinks they are ok at least, sometimes better than that. She was laughing out loud a number of times at this one.
There are a lot of funny and clever lines in this film, and very few duds. Even though reviews have been mixed, I really enjoyed it. It has some edge, mainly in David’s character and his rudeness, but even he grows on you during the film. If you enjoy comedy, good writing, interesting characters, a brisk pace, funny lines, and cleverness, then see it. Life is full of terrible things, no real meaning, selfish people, disease and death. So find happiness when and where you can. Whatever works.
Did you see this movie? What did YOU think? Leave me a comment with the comment link below!
My “top 11” Woody Allen films (compiled before this movie came out).
Get stevenology by email! Click here
Loved the movie. Larry David was great in that part. Only Woody could have played it better. Loved the thoughts, loved the acting. Loved the constant referrals to his genius. Loved the play with the theater audience. Woody’s still got it.
Also wanted to say that it was really cool the way he presented so many different types of relationships (gay, threesome, old/young, body/mind), but when it got right down to it, it was ‘Whatever Works’.
Hey, I finally saw a Woody Allen film while it was still in the theaters. That has been impossible to do in Milwaukee unless I can see it the first week it’s out. Well, this is the third week it’s been in the theaters here (although, the theaters it’s being shown in has dropped from three to two) and I didn’t dare not take advantage of my first opportunity to see it.
I thought it was an absolutely terrific film, not so much for Larry David or even Evan Rachel Wood (although I thought her performance was Oscar consideration worthy), but for the theme. Whatever works. That’s really a deep philosophy for living life in these times (so long, as Woody says, as you don’t hurt someone)(and not necessarily in the “garden of earthly delights”…).
I wasn’t impressed with Larry David in this film. He was too much like his “character” in Curb Your Enthusiasm, though even more unbearable. Yet, at the end, in the last scene with just him and Evan Rachel Wood, my heart went out to him. And, as I said, I thought Ms. Wood was outstanding. The dialogue was as deep and funny, at the same time, (the “God is gay” piece was genius).
I found myself wishing that Woody had played Boris (who never played major league baseball) himself, though I know it was more marketable to the public with Larry David.
The plot was inventive, though, at times ridiculous, and the best bits and pieces of dialogue just keep going through my head over and over. I can’t wait to see it again.
Dean
Thanks to you both for the opinions, I appreciate them. I liked it a lot too. Way to go, Woody!
I loved this movie too. As a big “Curb” fan I wasn’t bothered by the fact Larry David was playing playing the same character here (himself). No one in the world is better qualified to play a neurotic, misanthropic, _____ (fill in the blank; e.g. quantum physicist). Good casting by Woody.
hi there I love Larry David’s Comedy! the admin should talk more about him!