Reconstructing Woody. Back again is that red-haired boy
(boy?) with the New York Jewish humor. (What kind of New
York humor isn't Jewish?) This time it deals with the problems
of a New York writer's creative and erotic life. So, what else is
new?
Photo: "Deconstructing Harry":
® Indies Film Distribution
Courtesy of MVSP Public Relations
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Harry Block (Woody Allen) is not only a writer born with a Block,
but finds himself presently suffering from what is known as a
writer's block. (Some people can never get away from
themselves.) Of course, such a noted writer (be it Block or
Allen) is easily able to surround himself with an entourage of
famous actors and, as a result, we see Richard Bejamin, Billy
Crystal, Judy Davis, Mariel Hemingway, Amy Irving, Julie
Kavner, Demi Moore, Elisabeth Shue, Stanley Tucci, Kirstie
Alley, Bob Balaban, and a barely decipherable Robin Williams
parading past as either people or figments. Unable to pass the
time getting the written word on the page gives him plenty of
time to deal with his private problems.
Worried about losing the woman he loves (which one?) Harry
tries to convince one ex not to marry his best friend as well as
dealing as best he can with another ex to be more flexible with
visitation rights concerning their child. Needing love as much
as usual and finding temporary relief for his lifetime headache
through sexcapades, Harry finds a down-to-earth hooker named
Cookie (Hazelle Goodman) who he winds up bringing along for
company to an awards ceremony. He's looking forward to
finally being awarded recognition by the school that previously
expelled him.
This time around Allen cleverly combines an endless number of
characters who either actually do exist, are the creation of the
(brilliant) author's pen (albeit derived from actual characters in
his own life, so it would seem), or might simply be dangling
fantasies from the neurotic's analytic mind (more often than not
based on real characters). In short, these are the inhabitants of
Allen's world. No wonder some people get upset. No wonder
some people get confused.
No one watching this film is given any time to reflect on what
any real issues might be that are dealt with while analyzing
(dare I use this word?) the protagonist's (dare I use this word?)
mind (dare I use this word?). Bouncing back and forth between
the set of several characters usually portrayed (depending on
what form is applicable at any given moment) by more than one
person might send you spinning around, but it's good for a lot of
laughs. And, after all, that is what comedy's about. The types
of comedy available here run the gamut too. The biggest belly
laugh has to be Hazelle Goodman's line when responding
Allen's question about the universe. Goodman, by the way,
gives everybody else in the cast a run for their money and just
about steals the show.
The actors on the project only had a chance to see the pages
with their respective roles. No rehearsal and no exhaustive
directions on set. This has become part of the Woody Allen
sink-or-swim directing legend technique. So, what do some of
these actors have to say about his approach? Balaban: "I love
the way Woody works. He gives you a lot of freedom." Crystal:
"I was so excited. I read the pages. I laughed very hard, and
said yes right away." Irving: "Woody's method of working is
very supportive." Everybody seems to love him, so how come
these neuroses never seem to go away. Oh, well, he's a New
Yorker (in case you didn't notice).
Talking about large casts, isn't that Irving Metzman playing the
shoe salesman? Always nice to see this actor up to his antics,
especially as one of the familiar Allen film regulars. Well, as
they say in the Central Park boathouse, "Say hello to Doug,
Irving".
© 1994-2006 The Green Hartnett
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