Review of Bullets Over Broadway (1994) by Neum D — 02 Aug 2005

Director: Woody Allen.

Starring: John Cusack, Jennifer Tilly, Diane Wiest, Chazz Palminteri.

2.5 stars out of 4.

It must be said that, until the final scene, I gave this film a very strong 7/10. However, what quickly became one of the worst scenes among Allen's filmography (which is saying a lot considering his recent downfall) easily ruined what was otherwise an intelligent, if at times annoying, success. I won't waste too many words on this scene; suffice it to say that it felt disturbingly disjointed from the rest of the film and it was unbearably obnoxious -not good qualities for a strong, classic-Woody ending.

Fantastic performances were given by all involved, dispite not a single character being genuinely likable. The direction was at times showy, but considering the material, it felt necessary. I enjoyed the film's message about the separation of the art from the man, and the potential corruption that art faces in order to appeal to a majority.

Not one of Allen's best, but considering his wretched contributions to cinema as of late, it left me refreshed.