Rent Irrational Man (2015)

Minor Woody, but... - Irrational Man review by Steve

Considering the material Woody has mined from his single term at NYU, it is perhaps surprising that this campus film was his first. It is set at a small university on Rhode Island, where the arrival of notorious philosophy academic Abe (Joaquin Phoenix) unleashes debate about his teaching methods, and his affairs with chemistry professor Rita (Parker Posey) and student Jill (Emma Stone). And his reckless depression.

The film proceeds like an illustrated philosophy essay (with lectures) as existentialism is played off against Kant. Abe chooses the former when he takes direct action to poison a corrupt judge. Jill adopts the latter when she threatens to turn him in.

The characters are a touch stereotypical, though Phoenix's charisma makes much of his role. Stone and Posey are both appealing in support. Once again, the film is beautifully photographed by Darius Khondji, who has done fine work with Allen. 

The intellectual nature of the film isn't much of a stretch. What makes Irrational Man fascinating, is the addictive tension that Allen creates, and the material he uses to illustrate his ideas. Abe decides his life can only have meaning if he acts, if he intervenes to right a harmful wrong. And with the red warning light for democracy blinking across the world, the attraction of taking direct action to influence events has greater appeal, and gives the film some contemporary political relevance. 

Lacklustre - Irrational Man review by BE

Just about about holds the attention but expected more from this Woody Allen movie. Unfortunately, Joaquin Phoenix - usually turning in sterling performances - only as good as his script and character, which weren't up to much.