It keeps getting harder to separate Woody Allen the filmmaker from the tabloid generating artist.
Allen brings it on himself, dealing with issues that dovetail directly with his own personal life. Filmmakers should draw from their own experiences, but for Allen doing so means dragging us through his sordid romances of yore.
And a middling Allen effort like “Whatever Works” doesn’t need those kinds of distractions.
“Works” stars Larry David of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” fame as Boris, arguably the least likable main character in any Allen film. He’s an egomaniacal academic who recently split with his wife, and he’s content to live alone in a shabby apartment in between passing judgment on anyone who crosses his path.
He tries to do the same with a runaway Southern girl named Melodie (Evan Rachel Wood), but a romantic spark alights despite their vast age difference.
Where have we seen that before? Oh, yeah, in every other Allen picture.
The pair quickly marry, but it soon becomes clear the age – and life experience – gap could jeopardize their pairing.
It’s a wonder why young, desperate Melodie has any use for him, but the fact that she falls so quickly for Boris beggars belief. He’s put off by darn near everything about her, but she’s awful cute and occasionally gets his jokes.
The signature Allen touches are firmly in place in “Works” – the scratchy oldie track to open the movie, the ego free credits and the idealized Manhattan sensibilities.
Yet “Works” still feels like watered down Woody. The gags don’t have much bite – or surprise. Neither does the story.
Can’t a talent of his caliber find another story line besides the braying old man wooing the ingenue at this point?
David, a lovable misanthrope on “Curb,” goes the Full Monty here. He’s utterly deplorable as a Boris, and it’s the kind of challenging role ideal for someone like Gene Hackman who can find Boris’ long-buried humanity.
David hasn’t a clue how to do anything of the kind.
Wood is a lovely young actress, and while her character may be pure Allen fiction she renders it in more shades than the screenplay allows.
The great Patricia Clarkson temporarily steals the movie as Melodie’s mom, but her character’s growth is silly and superficial.
Conservatives won’t appreciate the nonstop attacks on Red States types and traditional values, but Allen forgives and forgets their tics so long as they have a change of heart by the final reel.
The film’s title refers to Boris’ approach to romance. Sure, couples can have big age difference or other major hurdles to overcome, but hey, “Whatever works.”
One guesses “The Heart Wants What it Wants” was the original working title.
The film’s ending feels like it’s slapped on from a generic rom-com, and for an Allen flick that just doesn’t “Work” at all.
(Photo: Evan Rachel Wood and Larry David star in Woody Allen’s latest romantic comedy “Whatever Works.”/Sony Pictures Classics)
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