Review of Whatever Works (2009) by Neil R — 02 Sep 2015
A kind of cinematic theme and variations on the book of Ecclesiastes, existentialism and hedonistic pragmatism. It tries and partly succeeds to be a funny, ideas film in the classic Woody Allen mould of an older misanthropic smart guy with a younger ditzy girl.
The dialogue is zippy and witty but the film's amorality stops being satirical and becomes just straight commentary on how permissive everything has become in today's world. As is seen in the film's poster, the philosophy at its heart is kind of a big shrug.
In the face of ultimate despair, you've just got to grab whatever happiness you can. It's a denial of immortality, cosmic justice or God, but at least it tries to say something.
This review of Whatever Works (2009) was written by Neil R on 02 Sep 2015.
Whatever Works has generally received positive reviews.
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