Review #12 | "Irrational Man" (2015)

An irrational man can spew an irrational amount of nonsense. For all the psychology, Woody Allen left audiences with more questions than answers with The Screenplay That Could.

This film desperately wants to have something to say, ironic in comparison to the main characters who have entirely too many ideas coming out of their mouths. "Irrational Man" doesn't deliver a cohesive story, leaving questions unanswered and needing more time at the writing table. Performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone desperately want to be compatible, but they constantly feel a world away from each other even when their characters, Abe and Jill, are supposed to be inseparable. One scene stands out where their performances feel raw, however the raw frustration could have been frustration with the script rather than the situation.

If the concept of "Irrational Man" had been developed further, it could have been a sensation. The ideas are original and the film itself is not unentertaining, but the execution was nothing special and it is hard to tell how any degree of camerawork enhances the storytelling.

Overall, not Woody Allen's most cohesive work. "Irrational Man" can probably be skipped unless it gets some nominations this coming awards season. You never know.

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"Irrational Man" is rated "R" and runs 95 mins.

Written and Directed by Woody Allen. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Parker Posey, and Jamie Blackley.