With last year’s “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” and now “Whatever Works,” Woody Allen has rebounded from a general downward slope in his moviemaking career.
These films are tighter and funnier than Woody’s been lately, and their affection for their characters is refreshing. Allen himself does not appear in either picture, which might have something to do with all that.
“Whatever Works” is genial in spirit despite its misanthropic protagonist, Boris Yelnikoff, a scientific genius who once nearly won the Nobel Prize. Or so he says.
Boris is played by Larry David, the “Seinfeld” co-creator best known for his perpetual complaining in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Casting David was an inspired choice; he may not be much of an actor, but this bald, rangy grouch brings his own distinct personality to every scene in the movie.
Boris hates everybody and everything, including himself. After a botched suicide attempt, he gets further annoyed when a young runaway, Melodie (Evan Rachel Wood), takes up residence on his couch.
Although he consistently reminds her how moronic she is, Melodie laps up Boris’ knowledge and opinions. It isn’t difficult to predict that he’ll be softened up by this wide-eyed Southern belle.
I know what you’re thinking: Here’s another Woody Allen movie about an older man who proves irresistible to a young (very young) woman. Well, true. Although the comic timing of the eerily-gifted-beyond-her-years Evan Rachel Wood does a lot to ease the cliche.
But if you can put aside what you know about Allen’s previous work (and real life), there are new wrinkles. Including the way the film opens up halfway through to include other funny characters, such as Melodie’s mother (expert Patricia Clarkson) and father (Ed Begley Jr.).
All these stories support Boris’ main argument, which he expresses directly to the audience (much to the confusion of other characters, who wonder why he’s talking to an unseen camera). Boris believes in the philosophy of “whatever works”: If love should come along in the unlikeliest fashion, go for it.
Reports are that this film is based on a script Allen wrote in the 1970s. Well, whatever works. Maybe it’s telling that Allen’s personality hasn’t advanced much in 30 years, but if the results are this breezily enjoyable and ultimately affirming, so be it.
“Whatever Works”
A funny, genial comedy from Woody Allen, about a misanthropic genius (Larry David) whose ideas about mankind’s lousiness are tested by a young runaway (Evan Rachel Wood) and her wacky parents (Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr.). One of Woody’s funniest in years, with David an inspired casting choice.
Rated: PG-13 for language, subject matter
Showing: Meridian, Seven Gables
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