In the past few weeks, while flipping channels, I’ve caught a few of Allen’s more recent movies, such as Scoop and Match Point. While these “modern” films certainly are more successful than the dreadful stuff he was putting out at the turn of the century (ex. Hollywood Ending), they still feel synthetic in comparison to the stuff he put out in the 70s and 80s. Such experiences with the director’s new films just re-enforce my assumption that Allen may no longer be capable of making a film that feels as authentic and as honest as Crimes and Misdemeanors, wherein the central dilemmas that plague the film’s protagonists actually feel substantial and genuine. I believe part of this is due to the fact that Allen no longer works with actors of the same calibre as Landau and Alda, and instead has to settle for the efforts of Colin Farrell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Though I’m not an Allen enthusiast by any means, I’m not sure any artist can achieve the same heights when the materials they are given are of such lesser quality.
by Chiranjit Goswami | Source: MGM DVD
31 May 2008 8:06 PM | Comments (1)
I cannot bring myself to watch Allen’s new films. It’s like watching and old friend become a complete douche bag.
EZ
13 June 2008
12:40 AM