Review- Whatever Works

July 9, 9:04 AMWilmington Movie ExaminerBernardo Villela

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Larry David, John Gallagher Jr. and Evan Rachel Wood in Whatever Works

Woody Allen's Whatever Works starts off with his typical opening title sequence - same font and similar song to practically all his feature length films. It might seem like the kind of thing that would become stale but there is something to be said for consistency. In fact, here Allen is truly back to his roots and with no apologies. One very indicative scene of this intent is when Boris (Larry David) presses play on the CD player some overly loud, cacophonous rock comes on he stops it and puts on classical. With David playing the Allen-type it's a simple but elegant statement: "I know what's current but I make no apologies, I am who I am and won't change."

Larry David seemed like an inspired choice when first hearing about it and it turned out to be indeed. The last time Allen decided to stay behind the camera while having a 'Woody-type' character was in Celebrity. While that film did have its artistic merits the marriage of Kenneth Branagh and Allen's material was not as perfect as this one turned out to be.

At the risk of sounding cliché this film is as close to vintage Woody Allen as those who incessantly clamor for a return to form are likely to get. It is unapologetically acerbic, wildly funny and insanely entertaining. It is one of Allen's most intelligent, inventive films and has some of his most consistently brilliant dialogue. Don't laugh too hard or too long or you'll miss something.

As funny as it is it also has its point to make and does so effectively. Allen hearkens back to the talking to the camera technique of his earlier films but does so creatively and even in one instance has David take the camera into the corner making it more visual than usual. Using this technique he also conveys a message and in a comedy Allen comes closer to achieving a film on par with Bergman than he ever did with an homage. It is closer because it touches on similar Bergmanesque themes despair, the silence of God, fear of death, relationships but through comedy making it quintessentially Allen at the same time.

The two leads are pitch perfect; Larry David, as previously mentioned, could not have been more perfectly suited to play this neurotic genius and Evan Rachel Wood is his equal as a foil who is naive, not the brightest bulb in the box but caring and a sponge for his philosophy. A subtle little Pygmalion plot plays out which Boris calls out and tries to squelch and it's very well done.

It wouldn't be a Woody Allen film without a memorable supporting performance and that comes from Patricia Clarkson as Melody's (Evan Rachel Wood) Mother. Allen also repeats a theme from Vicky Cristina Barcelona but adds a twist to it. Also, be on the look out for a brief appearance by Wilmington native John Gallagher Jr. The Tony Award-winning actor will be conducting a free Q&A at the Wilmington Drama League tonight at 9PM.

It is one of Allen's most wholly satisfying films in years. Old fans will be delighted and new fans will be won over. It also has a tidy ending which is rare and somewhat reminiscent of About a Boy with a Woody Allen twist where some cinematic and narrative perspective on why Boris is the only one who sees the audience.

10/10