Irrational Man

Woody Allen’s is back into the same realms of psyche that he has so brilliantly delved into in past films such as Crimes and Misdemeanours and Match Point. Irrational Man is about a tormented philosophy professor Abe Lucas (Joaquin Phoenix) who is at rock bottom emotionally, unable to find any joy or meaning in life, finds a will to live when commits an existential act. For fans of Woody Allen this is a treat. The scenic visage of Newport, Long Island, beautifully dresses the morality play; of a man pondering the meaningless of life only to find his zest for it reignited in the taking of someone else’s. The cast are excellent, Phoenix manages to convey the moody self-introspection of Abe Lucas without drowning in annoying self-pity. Parker Posey is delightful as the off kilter science teacher that longs to move to Spain and of course Emma Stone who brings old fashioned film star charisma to any role she plays. The familiar Woody Allen themes are here, life, death and the point of existence. However, some Woody Allen films on the subject are more entertaining than others. While this might not be his best work Woody Allen is on form in this tale of morality and murder. Go and see it, it is a little autumn gem.