Review of Cassandra's Dream (2007) by Eman E — 13 May 2010

-Beginning with 1989's Crimes and Misdemeanors, then Match Point in 2005, and now Cassandra's Dream in 2007, Woody Allen has translated his patented romantic-comedy style and prose into the crime-thriller genre.

-Allen's work from the 70's and 80's are reflections of his cynical nature toward romance and love, and in the 00's he has taken an increasingly more pessimistic view of his characters when they turn to crime.

-As typical of many of Allen's movies he makes references to other works similar in theme and tone to the film being watched. For example, early in the film the characters recall the quote from Bonnie and Clyde "ain't life grand." Later, they speak of Greek tragedies.

-I like these references because they manage to be both hyper-aware and self-serving, yet mix perfectly into the context of the film.

-While I prefer Match Point over Cassandra's Dream, these are two undeniably similar films because Allen approached them the same way: Desperation leads his characters down a path of murder in order to better or preserve themselves. In Match Pint the main guy wants to maintain his lush living, and in Cassandra's Dream his characters want to create that kind of life.

-I appreciate this straightforward type of morality tale. The situations and consequences are dramatic enough by themselves and Allen understands that. As the director, he is tasked with piecing it all together so that it becomes and effective thriller, a job which he ultimately accomplishes and to great effect. He stages everything simply allowing the plot and the characters to take the "dramatic lead." There is no fancy camerawork or an obvious, overbearing and obnoxious score; its simplicity is what makes this film effective.