WHATEVER WORKS d: Woody Allen
Whatever Works (2009)
Direction and Screenplay: Woody Allen
Cast: Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr., Henry Cavill
Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood
Woody Allen’s return to NYC has resulted in one of his best comedies in years. Of course, he hasn’t been making comedic films of late, but whatever.
"Hello, I Must Be Going" by Groucho Marx plays during the opening credits of Whatever Works. The song is perfect for setting the film’s contradictory tone. At the start, Boris (Larry David) speaks directly to the audience, commenting that this is not a feel-good movie – if you want to feel good, get a foot massage.
His character is miserable, a pessimist suffering from “I’m a genius and everyone else sucks” disease. [...]
by Keith Waterfield | July 27, 2009
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Tags: Comedies, Evan Rachel Wood, Film Reviews, Henry Cavill, Larry David, Patricia Clarkson, Whatever Works, Woody Allen
Tribeca 2009: Woody Allen’s WHATEVER WORKS
Eric Kohn at indieWIRE:
"Marked by interchangeably trite and witty dialogue, Whatever Works is the definition of a minor Woody Allen movie. The director’s triumphant return to New York City after several years of European excursions finds him in familiar, if not exemplary, form. Most people on the Allen bandwagon will likely view this outing as a charming mediocrity."
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Frank Scheck in The Hollywood Reporter:
"Marking Woody Allen’s first NYC-shot film in five years, Whatever Works, falls somewhere in between his lesser London efforts Scoop and Cassandra’s Dream and his return to form with Vicky Cristina Barcelona. While this comedy starring Larry David doesn’t break any new ground for its creator in either style [...]
by Anna Robinson | April 23, 2009
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Tags: Evan Rachel Wood, Film Festivals, Larry David, The Hollywood Reporter, Tribeca 2009, Tribeca Film Festival, Whatever Works, Woody Allen
