19th century Russia, Woody Allen style

Rating: 7/10 (16 December 2011)

Love and Death is probably the most cerebral of Woody Allen's early absurdist comedies. Set in Russia in the early 19th century, it is a satire of all things Russian; from 19th century novels to Sergei Eisenstein movies. Its references are often pretty high-brow but seeing as its Allen there are also a lot of pure funny moments. This combination between sophisticated humour and sight gags is what makes Allen's early films so distinctive, and in Love and Death it's a combination at its most extreme. From philosophical discussions on the meaning of life to a man who keeps a sod of earth in his pocket, this movie covers a lot of comic ground.
It lacks the narrative cohesion of Sleeper and is overall a bit fragmented. Like a bunch of disparate ideas loosely tied together by theme rather than story. It almost feels more like a series of sketches. It isn't always successful but there are certainly enough laughs. Allen is also very ably supported by Diane Keaton who is a great comic partner for him once again.
So not Allen's best but one of his most ambitious and different. And still very funny in places.