Review of Irrational Man (2015) by Qi Z — 10 Aug 2015

Irrational Man contemplates the opposite question from the Match Point - what does it mean to commit a perfect crime with an altruistic motive? In Match Point, the motive is selfish, yet the universe's response is an indifferent shrug of shoulder. Irrational Man here meets an universe intolerable for outright human mockery.

Mr. Allen is ever more wishfully sentimental these years.

The story opens up with a jaded, pot-belled professor of philosophy (played by Joaquin Phoenix) in the adoring eyes of a pert female student (Emma Stone). The usual comic tropes ran through its range, including a feisty woman teacher and a milquetoast boy wonder in romantic competition. Yet our professor sags more than just spirit; everything droops and slags.

Yet an opportunity for an altruistic crime galvanizes the academic from his gloomy stupor into a state of joie de vivre. The agitation and excitement to plot a perfect crime gives him something meaningful to do. One imagines the brain chemicals bestirred all the slumbering pulleys and gadgets into simulacra of living with high purpose.

Does he have the right to "do justice" for others? Or as the story shows, "for others" masks the essential quality of "for us - so we can feel better about ourselves". Taking up the banner of a "worthy" cause, our hero vaults into the stark and exhilarating joy of living dangerously.

The question hangs on whether the universe cares or not. This time Woody frowned sternly with a nod.