Allen's hilarious send-up of Russian literature and cinema

Rating: Null/10 (31 January 2002)

Boris Grushenko is the cowardly son of a humble farmer. Called up to serve in the Napoleonic wars, Boris becomes a hero and is the toast of his town. However he cannot have the love of his live, Sonia. When the outcome of a duel means they get married. She convinces him to become an assassin and end the war. As he sits in a cell on death row, he wonders where it all went wrong.
When one speaks of Woody Allen films, it is common to talk of his `early, funnier films' and his later serious work (although that is beginning to change back recently). Love and Death falls easily into the period of `early funnier films'. The plot here is very loose and is simply an excuse of a series of observations, one liners and set pieces. The comedy is a wonderful mix - there is plenty of slapstick, physical comedy. This is complimented by a huge amount of one liners and witty monologues (his father's piece of land is my favorite, but Boris and Sonia sitting down to meals of snow is also good). The director shows his literary awareness by littering the film with references - the film itself being one big reference.
Allen is the strength of the film - he's totally at ease with the material and is a wonderful clown. Keaton is good because she is clearly having a great deal of fun. The rest of the cast is unimportant as the jokes carry the whole film easily.
This one of my favorite Allen films - it lacks a structure and is overflowing with the surreal humour that he is so loved for.