Review of Interiors (1978) by Bing R — 03 Oct 2009

Woody Allen goes serious, and the results are...not bad, exactly, but not especially worthy, either. The stripped-down style almost works, but Allen doesn't commit to it fully, leaving the result somewhere between realistic and abstract, and as such, unsatisfying.

The older actors do well enough; E.G. Marshall is solid as the father who seeks real happiness in his golden years,; Geraldine Page is good as his troubled ex-wife; and Maureen Stapleton, as his new love, is excellent, in spite of a horribly blunt decision to dress her in bright colors, with the other actors in black, brown, and gray.

The younger characters, however, are annoying neurotics. Richard Jordan and Mary Beth Hurt are particularly frustrating, while Diane Keaton and Sam Waterston can do little with their flat roles. Kristin Griffith is barely there as the detached youngest daughter.

Despite earning Oscar nominations for his directing and screenplay, Allen basically drops the ball here, crafting a dull, hollow attempt at chamber drama, without a joke to be seen. He forgets that comedy IS tragedy.

..plus time.