His success can be attributed to his biting wit and optimism - his enduring talent to find comedy in life's more tragic and pathetic moments. Having reached a new nadir in life, it is unsurprising Deconstructing Harry is Allen's most bleak and nasty film to date, with less laughs and more lashing out than is his usual. Yet it is strangely courageous, cathartic and convincing - both a therapeutic act and a plea for understanding in a time of utter depression and vulnerability.