Whatever Works

You don't have to be a Woody Allen fan to enjoy this movie, but it will help. You don't have to know that Mr. Allen wrote and directed this very dark comedy, but from the opening lines it is obvious. Who else dares break the 4th wall so often, or does it so well?

Larry David does an amazing job of playing a classic character Woody Allen would have played years ago. David should get an award for the best Allen impression without really trying.

Evan Rachel Wood does yet another wonderful job playing a role which adds to her collection of range and credibility. Brava Ms. Wood. More please?

The supporting cast is well-turned and fantastic in their own right. Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley Jr. plays the funniest bible belt couple I've seen in years. Perfect casting along with the others who drift in and out of the story.

But is this really a story? Or is it an extended mathematical proof shown in dialogue form? In the end everyone gets exactly what they really want instead of what they think they want. Brilliant.

Watch this movie with someone who is repressing something deep.