Melinda & Melinda-Theater

Melinda & Melinda (2005), Dir. Woody Allen

I have never been a fan of Woody Allen's films. I understand the neurotic nature of New York Jewish folk, I just don't think it's funny in his hands. He writes pedantic words and makes actors recite them so they'll sound elitist and smart, but they don't manage either.

That being said, I did like this film. Allen is restrained in his pontificating about the pointlessness of life, and instead riffs on the nuances that add up to make life what it is. Throw in a little commentary on perspective, and it's an entertaining (and smart) film about all the stuff of life. It also makes one wonder what perspective they aim for: tragic, or comic. I'm still not sure; they are so inextricably intertwined (a point very lightly touched on).

Allen's filmmaking abilities are just fine, although there are some awkward scenes that look as though they were framed by a high-schooler. I found myself trying to look around heads and pillars because Allen had them stacked up in a line. Irritating, but it lent a sense of 'realism' to the film, and I got used to it eventually.

The only other gripe I have about the film is Will Farrell. I'm sorry, I can't stand him. I always get the feeling that he's not natural, or that he doesn't remember what it's like to be a natural human being anymore. He ends up coming off as a ridiculous overactor constantly looking for a scene to steal. Oh well.

Anyway, I would recommend this film. It's funny, sad, interesting. And most dangerous of all, thought provoking.