Review of Irrational Man (2015) by Nate A — 29 Jul 2015

In the final scene of "Crimes and Misdemeanors" (1989), we hear a philosophy professor who has abandoned his beliefs backpedal and tout that in life only one's capacity to love brings meaning to the universe.

This ending always seemed like a tacked-on heartwarming hollywood ending to the dark film. What has lead up to this touching moment is much darker. The film explores the possibility that one can get away with murder and not only not suffer from unrelenting guilt, but perhaps be glad you did the deed and got away with it.

Irrational man explores these ideas in greater depth, ideas Allen also touched on in "Match Point" (2005). This time around, the philosopher and the murderer are combined, with helpings of well-worn ingredients from Allen's oeuvre such as a seemingly unattractive man who is irresistible to gorgeous women due to his intelligence and the women's drive for a father-figure.

The sexual dynamics are quite laughable as the women throw themselves at the man. As in many of Allen's work in the last 15 years, the September May romance at times induces cringes as it seems to be anti-feminist and male wish-fulfillment fantasy.

The women don't seem to align with any real-world women I've met. The script at times is a bit threadbare and the structure pokes out. The dialog is clunky. Some of the scenes look like they were shot in one take, and could have used a bit more rehearsal.

But if you have enjoyed Allen's work and can look past his personal failings, I think you will enjoy this movie. The acting is brilliant. The ideas are thought provoking. If you like smart films, you will enjoy as Allen attempts to explore ideas by A-list philosophers and how one might apply these ideas to real world situations.

I was reminded a bit of Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" (1951), which similarly explores the question, "are some people better off dead?" There was even a night scene at an amusement park, like that film's finale.

The film also alludes to "Crime and Punishment". And in the third act, the film turns into a bit of a murder mystery, a genre in which Allen excels. I remember Allen once said he keeps trying to make a perfect movie, and is always disappointed, and you can't help but feel he is throwing the same ingredients around hoping to find just the right balance.

Unfortunately, since many of these ideas have been previously explored by Allen and most of his audience views the film with the perspective of his previous work and his personal life, things that should have worked come across as a retread.

But it's still fun and I'm grateful that Allen keeps churning out films each year. As an Allen fan, it was great to see more of the same. It's great to see a murder mystery romantic comedy that is full of ideas.

Keep 'em coming, Woody.