Review of You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010) by Donna B — 30 Oct 2010

You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger (R).

Written and directed by Woody Allen, this is the story about two couples who become disillusioned with their partners and explore options outside of marriage. It contains the quirky twists and humor unique to Allenâ(TM)s storytelling, portrayed by a nice ensemble of great actors. Filmed in England, itâ(TM)s the story of Helena (Gemma Jones) who starts seeking advice from spiritual advisor Cristal (Pauline Collins) when her husband Alfie (Anthony Hopkins) leaves her for a very young, gold-digging actress Charmaine (Lucy Punch). At the same time, Helenaâ(TM)s daughter Sally (Naomi Watts) develops a crush on her boss Greg (Antonio Banderas), partly due to frustration over her husband Royâ(TM)s (Josh Brolin) lack of employment, only to discover that her friend is having an affair with Greg. Meanwhile, Roy becomes infatuated with Dia (Frieda Pinto) after watching her through the window in the next building and with whom he begins an affair. None of the characters get what they expected in their explorations, and the narrator concludes the story without any real end. The film is steady paced throughout, a soft, subtle wink from Allen, whose films are moving away from outrageous situations and dialogue, and towards that of cerebral and cutely witty.

The soundtrack is a collection of nostalgic, romantic tunes from artists Leon Redbone, Tom Sharpsteen and his orchestra, Tali Roth, the Eddy Davis trio, Sir Charles Mackerras & Prague Orchestra, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, and Guila y Los Tellarni. It also contains two dance tracks from Marc Ferrari & Michael McGregor, and Scott Nicholey & Jamie Dunlap.

On the Diode Scale, this film gets an 8.5.