Review of Whatever Works (2009) by Kacee E — 27 Jan 2010

3: Woody Allen is a fantastically entertaining director that shows no signs of stopping anytime soon (he's 75 and still making pictures like this). I wouldn't count him among my favorite directors, but I am routinely satisfied with his pictures.

He seems to have expanded his range and style of filmmaking in his later years as well, but this is basically a return to his old self and formula, which actually comes as a welcome change. Instead of starring himself, he uses Larry David as his avatar or alter-ego though.

Some of the other members of the cast we've seen before, but even among those new to Allen's world, they still manage to fit in just as if they've always been there. I'm curious to see how the script and David's performance differ; or more specifically how much of the character is David and how much is Allen.

The performance and story really do seem to be an odd symbiosis of sorts between the two men's worldviews. Both shine right through. The fact that David addresses the camera in such an unusual fashion is a superb twist as well, because it forces us to firmly identify with him, and not with the other characters, despite the vast differences between us.

The script isn't routinely hilarious - I think I've laughed more during some episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm - but it was funny enough to leave me satisfied. It isn't necessarily that often that filmmakers are so transparent about expressing a particular worldview, but Allen has never shied away from being overt.

I don't think anyone would ever consider his films as being subtle, but they are always complex, dense, and entertaining. Perhaps most importantly though, they express a unique vision while speaking with a singular voice.

I'm pretty sure this one will be worth watching for years to come. Only Allen could make what happens to Evan Rachel Wood's right wing Southern parents seem plausible (the mother becomes a ménage a trois artist and the father comes out of the closet).

I doubt everyone would find this as charming and amusing as I - and like-minded viewers - do, but it makes perfect sense in Allen's world. By the way, Woody Allen is 75 and still making pictures like this.