Review of Cassandra's Dream (2007) by Willem W — 28 Jun 2009

An overlooked Woody Allen film. One of his best plots, but also a film that features some of his worst, most turgid, spot-in dialogue. For some reason whenever Allen attempts straight drama, it inevitably rings false, like he's out of his element (Interiors, Another Woman).

Combine that drama with Allen's massive comedic talents and the drama seems to work better by way of contrast (Hannah and Her SIsters, Crimes and Misdemeanors). This film features many sequences that would have benefited from some laughs.

Sadly, Allen aims directly for the BIG QUESTIONS and the film falls somewhat flat as a result. Excellent work from Colin Farrel, who's playing an even more despondent character than in In Bruges. Ewan McGregor and Tom Wilkinson do good work, but again, the dialogue, in which the characters seem to speak their subtext out loud works against the film.

Still, it's a Woody Allen film, so you have to admire him for aiming high -- it just would have benefitted from a dialogue polish... and a more satisfying ending. I wish Allen had made a dark comedy here -- the idea of two bumbling brothers trying to commit a murder is, to my sick mind at least, a far more entertaining premise.