Writer/Director: Woody Allen
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone and Parker Posey
‘An Overlooked Gem’
Few actors in the world have had a career quite as impressive as Joaquin Phoenix. As of late, he has proven himself to be one of the finest actors working in Hollywood today. Whether it’s dramas, comedies, or historical epics, Phoenix has stolen the show in nearly every film he has appeared in. Delivering one award-worthy performance after another in roles ranging from a crazy alcoholic in 2012’s “The Master” to a social introvert in 2013’s “Her”, he has been on a roll over the last few years.
With Woody Allen’s “Irrational Man”, his latest return to the big-screen, Phoenix continues his streak of brilliant work in one of the more overlooked movies of the year. Despite delivering one of his most memorable performances to date, writer-director Woody Allen’s film has been panned by critics and audiences alike. Currently sitting at a shockingly low rating of 38% on the movie-review website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has received negative backlash to say the least. It would be an understatement to say that the critics don’t like this film, they seem to hate it.
If you take my word for it, however, “Irrational Man” is not nearly as disappointing as everyone has been making it out to be. On the contrary, it has been unfairly overlooked. In a way, it’s not surprising for a filmmaker whose films have divided audiences over the years. Known for his signature style of witty dialogue, quirky characters and slow pacing, Allen’s films have appealed towards a specific demographic of movie-goers. Due to his distinct and unique style, however, his movies have not been everyone’s cup of tea. In a nutshell, this sums up the case with his most recent effort, “Irrational Man”. A sharp, darkly funny and unpredictable murder-mystery, it will either capture your attention or leave you checking your watch impatiently for the time. It’s no wonder, then, that this film has split the opinions of audiences down the middle. Like most of Woody Allen’s movies, it’s not been made to please everyone.
That being said, “Irrational Man” is worth a watch even in spite of the negative reviews it has received. If anything is certain, it’s a whole lot better than the critics have been making it out to be. While the story may not be as riveting as Allen’s previous effort, “Blue Jasmine”, there’s still plenty to look forward to such as a pair of fantastic performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone. Both of these stars are perfectly cast in roles that make full use of their acting capabilities. Phoenix stars in the central role as Abe Lucas, a depressed alcoholic who struggles to find a sense of joy in life. He sleepwalks through his job as a university professor, has little to no friends and is completely detached from the world around him. Even befriending an enthusiastic student, played by Emma Stone, isn’t able to inject happiness into his mundane life. Just when Abe seems to have lost any trace of hope, the opportunity to commit a murder forever changes his life.
As the story dives deep into the psyche and twisted mind of Abe, right from the get-go it’s clear that this is not your typical Woody Allen film. Although filled with the director’s usual trademarks such as sharply written dialogue, long and drawn-out conversations and catchy music, “Irrational Man” stands out as a unique film. Unlike the most iconic movies of his career such as “Annie Hall” and “Midnight in Paris”, this is surprisingly not a romantic comedy. Taking inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock, instead it’s a suspenseful murder-mystery that heads in directions which you don’t expect. You may think you can guess where the story will head in the first hour, but once the plot twists kick in it’s a film that is difficult to predict. It’s this sense of surprise that makes “Irrational Man” one of the more entertaining films that Woody Allen has made in recent years. You’re invested in the lives of the characters at the heart of this film from start to finish.
If there’s anything that Woody Allen has always been an expert at, it’s creating fascinating characters that immediately draw you into the story. It takes no time before we’re enamored by the slightly eyebrow raising, yet captivating character of Abe Lucas. Although he may not be the most likable or relatable person in the world, you are instantly drawn to Abe. It’s a result of fantastic writing, which uses realistic characters, profound dialogue and voice-over narration to capture your attention from beginning to end. Writing has always been Woody Allen’s strong suit as a filmmaker, and here he uses it highly effectively to tell a compelling story. One of the techniques that the filmmaker uses is voice-over narration, a way of letting the audience know what’s going on in the minds of the characters. It’s a concept that either works extremely well in a movie or sticks out like a sore thumb. “Irrational Man” is one of those rare films that uses it to enhance the story, providing insights into characters that would have otherwise been one-dimensional.
Another area of expertise that Woody Allen nails in “Irrational Man” is the casting of these characters. The filmmaker makes full use of an exceptionally talented cast of A-list actors, resulting in performances that stick with you long after you leave the theater. Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone, the two leading stars, especially deserve recognition for carrying the film through their charming on-screen chemistry.
In some ways, Phoenix has the tougher job to pull off: to make you care for an absolutely crazy and delusional guy who is anything but likable. Although it’s not a role that requires a seriously physical or intense dramatic transformation, Phoenix is faced with the challenge of making a criminal sympathetic. Although it’s a tricky role to do justice to, the ever-so-seasonal actor who has never disappointed steps up to the challenge of playing this complex character. Portraying a wide spectrum of emotions ranging from depression to uncontrollable excitement, Phoenix delivers one of his best performances to date. My fingers are crossed that it will finally earn him his long over-due Academy Award. If not a win, at least a nomination would be well-deserved.
Although she will likely be overlooked come awards season, Emma Stone also leaves a lasting impression in a smaller, yet vital role. Like Phoenix, she too has a challenging task to accomplish stand on her own against one of Hollywood’s finest actors. Despite a major age difference between the two, and a character that could have easily been stereotyped as the ‘love interest’, Stone turns out to be a pitch-perfect match for Phoenix. Charming, enthusiastic and lending an energetic presence to every scene she appears in, she has never been better. It’s impressive to come across an actress that can go from playing a hopeless drug addict in “Birdman” to a woman with a positive attitude towards life in this film.
As is the case with most Woody Allen films, the soundtrack stands out. An attention-grabbing collection of jazz tunes, it gives the film an exciting and upbeat vibe that keeps you engrossed in the story throughout. It also fits perfectly into the world that Woody Allen has created centered on a mischievous guy who is always up to no good.
These electric musical choices along with the incredible performances make “Irrational Man” worth a watch, however, ultimately, they can’t make up for the film’s flaws. Although the critics have been giving this film a hard time in my opinion, in some ways their assessment of what’s wrong with this movie has been spot-on. With regards to issues, Woody Allen’s film suffers from clumsy pacing, an uneventful first hour and an unsatisfying ending. All of these problems make “Irrational Man” a frustrating film to watch, but none more so than the pacing. Whoever was given the job of pacing this film must have wanted the audience to doze off, because it shows in the way the story plays out. It meanders at a snail’s pace for the first hour, which is devoid of any excitement or thrills, and it isn’t until the second half that the film picks up.
To make matters worse, the movie ends on a rather unrealistic note that leaves a lot to the viewer’s imagination. A shocking twist near the end is brave and unexpected, but it leaves several questions unanswered story-wise. This ending is a wasted opportunity, especially when you consider the talent of those involved in the making of it such as the legendary Woody Allen.
Nevertheless, if you are a fan of Woody Allen’s movies or admire Alfred Hitchcock, then “Irrational Man” is not a film that you should miss. Although it isn’t the sort of movie that I would recommend to everyone, particularly not to those with a low-attention span, it turned out to be much better than expected.
If there’s a valuable lesson to take away from this experience, you can’t always let negative reviews written by irrational critics stop you from watching movies after all.
3/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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