“Irrational Man”
Directed by: Woody Allen.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Emma
Stone, Jamie Blackley, Parker Posey, Joe Stapleton and Nancy Carroll.
Rated: '12A' for containing
infrequent strong language and moderate sex references.
Running time: 95 minutes.
Released in UK cinemas from the
11th of September, 2015.
Surprisingly, “Irrational Man” marks my first viewing of a Woody Allen film, up on the silver screen itself. During the last four years, I familiarised myself with his filmography, discovering his masterworks (from “Love and Death” to “Hannah and Her Sisters”) whilst developing an infatuation with the auteur’s unique style, subsequently convincing me of Allen’s revered talents. So, despite the negative reviews of “Irrational Man” which reared their heads from the Cannes Film Festival earlier in May of this year, I was filled with optimism. For a young cinephile like myself, the challenging intellect, regular motifs and of course the humour of his work, rendered me practically helpless when attempting to resist his next project...
Having succumbed to a bout of depression and alcoholism caused by a series of unfortunate events, Abe Lucas (Joaquin Phoenix), a critically revered and controversial professor of Philosophy, is verging upon the edge of suicide; his joy for teaching, political activism and optimism in general, cease to exist. But before Abe can contemplate the act of suicide, the slovenly and obese professor is employed by the University of Braylin, of which he is the hot topic of discussion and intense anticipation amongst the campus.
Typically depressing and self-destructive, Abe stumbles into work, continuing to drown his sorrows (even amongst his peers and students) until he meets two women: Rita Richards, an equally depressed lecturer of Science (with whom he initiates an affair) and the charismatic and lively Jill Pollard (Emma Stone, delightful), a student who is determined to rekindle Abe’s lust for life, liberating him from his suicidal tendencies – expressed in one humorous, yet horrifying scene. But in one instant, Abe’s life changes forever. Whilst sharing a meal together, Abe and Jill overhear the cries of a defenceless woman, who, in the midst of an intense custodial court battle, is likely to lose her case, due to a judge consumed by corruption. Enraged by this obscene injustice, Abe secretly decides to aid the woman in her plight, by plotting and carrying out the murder of the aforementioned judge. It is the perfect crime. But from an ethical and moral standpoint, will Abe’s actions truly stand up to scrutiny?
Upon the arguably superficial surface of Woody Allen's 35th cinematic endeavour as writer and director, "Irrational Man" is yet another charming and well-acted effort from perhaps, cinema's most prolific director. Beneath however, this endearing and gorgeous piece (shot by Darius Khondji) is also another of Allen's master classes in a scenario which flags up ethical issues and of course, sparks another philosophical debate.
Clearly the most engaging and fascinating factor of the film is the candid and poignant question which Allen poses: to help a defenceless woman, would you kill a cruel and inhuman person, who seemingly deserves to die? When Abe accepts his ‘duty’, it becomes both a bold and entirely questionable act, but also an act of sacrifice, which would surely make a difference; if caught, Abe could be imprisoned for the remaining years of his life. As the title suggests, this is of course an irrational and highly illegal act, but the sequences in which Abe stalks the judge to map out his day-to-day activities, provide a wrongful sense of joy and humour, considering this may lead to an eventual murder. It is then that Allen's film ceases to be light in tone, and becomes something darker than I imagined.
The problem is that we are aligned with Abe from the get-go. As an audience, we have witnessed first-hand, Abe’s self-destructive tendencies and are determined to see his life improve once more. Allen has ensnared us within his trap. We would like to witness Abe prosper and whether he murders somebody or not, we are rooting for his success, resulting in the strange feeling that “Irrational Man” is in part, an emotionally manipulative work, yet one which requires audiences to partake in the engaging discussion of the film’s motifs. When you sit back and examine the evidence (Abe, protagonist or antagonist?) and reasoning behind murder, detracting our feelings towards Abe whilst formulating our own opinions, it results in a far more rewarding and challenging experience.
The material itself is elevated significantly by a stellar cast. Joaquin Phoenix replicates his unique “Walk The Line” slur in another of his tortured performances, as a shockingly obese (the weight gain is surprising) and troubled individual, who is both engaged deeply within the brooding style he so famously perfected in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master”, whilst also providing a much-needed dose of charisma in the lighter, more comical moments. Whilst this is Phoenix’s vehicle, the chemistry between himself and the charming Emma Stone (her second collaboration with Allen, the first being “Magic In The Moonlight”) is undeniably palpable. Stone absorbs her role, truly captivated by Abe’s intellect, reflected in the actress’s wide-eyed gaze she so frequently fills a director’s frame with, as she yearns for Abe’s affections. Meanwhile, the supporting cast are welcome additions to the proceedings, particularly Parker Posey, portraying Rita Richards with delightfully acidic cynicism, providing a roster of one-liners. Newcomer Jamie Blackley also excels as Roy, Jill’s long-term boyfriend whose patience is perpetually tested, as Jill proclaims Abe’s tragic life-story and unique talents, in a series of humorous engagements, sparking jealousy.
Verdict
Charming as always, Woody Allen’s “Irrational Man” is a darkly comic dose of intriguing and challenging themes, anchored by engaging performers. It may never provide the laugh-out-loud humour of his earlier, more realised works, yet this study of Philosophy and morality proves that Allen is always worth the price of admission, even if he seems to be borrowing heavily from “Crimes and Misdemeanours”...
Typically depressing and self-destructive, Abe stumbles into work, continuing to drown his sorrows (even amongst his peers and students) until he meets two women: Rita Richards, an equally depressed lecturer of Science (with whom he initiates an affair) and the charismatic and lively Jill Pollard (Emma Stone, delightful), a student who is determined to rekindle Abe’s lust for life, liberating him from his suicidal tendencies – expressed in one humorous, yet horrifying scene. But in one instant, Abe’s life changes forever. Whilst sharing a meal together, Abe and Jill overhear the cries of a defenceless woman, who, in the midst of an intense custodial court battle, is likely to lose her case, due to a judge consumed by corruption. Enraged by this obscene injustice, Abe secretly decides to aid the woman in her plight, by plotting and carrying out the murder of the aforementioned judge. It is the perfect crime. But from an ethical and moral standpoint, will Abe’s actions truly stand up to scrutiny?
Upon the arguably superficial surface of Woody Allen's 35th cinematic endeavour as writer and director, "Irrational Man" is yet another charming and well-acted effort from perhaps, cinema's most prolific director. Beneath however, this endearing and gorgeous piece (shot by Darius Khondji) is also another of Allen's master classes in a scenario which flags up ethical issues and of course, sparks another philosophical debate.
Clearly the most engaging and fascinating factor of the film is the candid and poignant question which Allen poses: to help a defenceless woman, would you kill a cruel and inhuman person, who seemingly deserves to die? When Abe accepts his ‘duty’, it becomes both a bold and entirely questionable act, but also an act of sacrifice, which would surely make a difference; if caught, Abe could be imprisoned for the remaining years of his life. As the title suggests, this is of course an irrational and highly illegal act, but the sequences in which Abe stalks the judge to map out his day-to-day activities, provide a wrongful sense of joy and humour, considering this may lead to an eventual murder. It is then that Allen's film ceases to be light in tone, and becomes something darker than I imagined.
The problem is that we are aligned with Abe from the get-go. As an audience, we have witnessed first-hand, Abe’s self-destructive tendencies and are determined to see his life improve once more. Allen has ensnared us within his trap. We would like to witness Abe prosper and whether he murders somebody or not, we are rooting for his success, resulting in the strange feeling that “Irrational Man” is in part, an emotionally manipulative work, yet one which requires audiences to partake in the engaging discussion of the film’s motifs. When you sit back and examine the evidence (Abe, protagonist or antagonist?) and reasoning behind murder, detracting our feelings towards Abe whilst formulating our own opinions, it results in a far more rewarding and challenging experience.
The material itself is elevated significantly by a stellar cast. Joaquin Phoenix replicates his unique “Walk The Line” slur in another of his tortured performances, as a shockingly obese (the weight gain is surprising) and troubled individual, who is both engaged deeply within the brooding style he so famously perfected in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master”, whilst also providing a much-needed dose of charisma in the lighter, more comical moments. Whilst this is Phoenix’s vehicle, the chemistry between himself and the charming Emma Stone (her second collaboration with Allen, the first being “Magic In The Moonlight”) is undeniably palpable. Stone absorbs her role, truly captivated by Abe’s intellect, reflected in the actress’s wide-eyed gaze she so frequently fills a director’s frame with, as she yearns for Abe’s affections. Meanwhile, the supporting cast are welcome additions to the proceedings, particularly Parker Posey, portraying Rita Richards with delightfully acidic cynicism, providing a roster of one-liners. Newcomer Jamie Blackley also excels as Roy, Jill’s long-term boyfriend whose patience is perpetually tested, as Jill proclaims Abe’s tragic life-story and unique talents, in a series of humorous engagements, sparking jealousy.
Verdict
Charming as always, Woody Allen’s “Irrational Man” is a darkly comic dose of intriguing and challenging themes, anchored by engaging performers. It may never provide the laugh-out-loud humour of his earlier, more realised works, yet this study of Philosophy and morality proves that Allen is always worth the price of admission, even if he seems to be borrowing heavily from “Crimes and Misdemeanours”...
6.5 stars out of 10
Written by Scott Gentry.
Written by Scott Gentry.
Film/TV Rating Key
1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.
3-4 stars out of ten = Average.
5-6 stars out of ten = Good.
7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.
9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.
1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.
3-4 stars out of ten = Average.
5-6 stars out of ten = Good.
7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.
9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.
Trailer
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