A missed opportunity

Rating: 3/10 (31 January 2006)

I think Woodey Allen missed the opportunity to convey the importance of the central point of his film...the role of luck in our lives even in the creation of the universe which is a really subversive idea indeed. Not a single spectator focused on that idea, which after all inspired Mr Allen to make this film. It is I believe a lost opportunity. After all, everything around us (religions, philosophy, ideologies, politics etc) is based on the assumption everything is there for a reason, that we all get what we deserve etc. What a great opportunity to challenge all that and make an unforgettable movie! What a wasted opportunity! I can only give him some credit if this is a self sarcastic film....how luck helped in him being considered such a great director (by some anyway). If this is the case then he managed to direct himself and his obsessions once again. Other than that, a film of Woody Allen versus Dostojevsky is really ridiculous! It takes a lot more talent and effort to stage such a confrontation; and to avoid any misunderstandings,I myself really believe in the element of luck and certainly not that "we get what we deserve" in life. The other weaknesses of the film are not that important, such as the dialogs that seemed to be so unrealistic, or the all too American fascination with England (I mean scenes of the changing of the guards or the Parliement building!!!!). We were not out for a sightseeing tour of London! Not to mention the British family the protagonist joined that looked so suspiciously American. The ghosts scene (coming out of nowhere) was not quite Macbethian even though you could see the reference. Making references of Shakespeare in a film doesn't make you Shakespeare (not Orson Wells for that matter). The transformation of an ambitious young man to a murderer was not convincing at all. In conclusion I was really disappointed. Oh...the actors were good all wright but I think they should think again before working with Woody Allen. Incedently I think Mr Allen is fascinated by Miss Johansson...again one more argument that he directs his fantasies!