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Two versions of one idea comprise this tragic comedy, or comic tragedy, from Woody Allen. Melinda stars in both. | score C+ |
moviereview rates films from A (unmissable) to E (unwatchable) |
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| Cast Rhada Mitchell, Will Ferrell, Johnny Lee Miller, Chloe Sevigney Director Woody Allen Screenwriter Woody Allen Country USA Rating / Running Time M / 100 minutes Australian Release May 2005 Official Site (c) moviereview
2005
ABN 72 775 390 361 |
“He’s
despondent and suicidal. All the comic elements are in place.”
Woody Allen’s latest tragic comedy, or comic tragedy, features a
group of noisy New Yorkers discussing a storyline in which friends are
deeply affected by the unexpected arrival of suicidal Melinda (Radha
Mitchell). One sees it as deep tragedy, the other as prize material for
romantic comedy. Thus two narratives with two Melindas exploring the
same ideas: relationships, infidelity, love, life and jazz music.
Business as usual for the Woodster. In suggesting, with more than a whiff of old man’s neuroses, that all life is the same and largely about nothing, Allen twists comedy and tragedy until they become inseparable if not the same. Motifs and themes intersect and overlap as each set of characters tell the story from their perspective. As one character eloquently suggests, tears of sorrow are tears of joy. Will Ferrell (Anchorman) is our joy, a man hopelessly in love with Melinda. On the dark side, she defends frail love from her boyfriend-stealing best friend. “Life is cruel and finally about nothing!” says the comic defender, then snaps his fingers and the movie concludes. The same could be said of Melinda And Melinda that tries so hard to be something and nothing, comedy and tragedy, that it fails to be very much at all. It is a pleasant diversion, though far from classic Woody. Mitchell is rewarding as uptight Melinda and flighty Melinda, but questionable casting in Ferrell and a typically wooden Jonny Lee Miller drags at both comedy and pathos. “Life has a malicious way of dealing with talent.” How true, Mr Allen. // COLIN FRASER |