As you know, no matter what scientists work on, they still get weapons. And no matter what Woody Allen shoots, he — for the most part — still gets a story about himself: a rushing and reflective neurotic. The new film, which has not yet been released in the United States due to allegations of harassment, which was again put forward by the director’s adopted daughter, was no exception.
With all the desire to ignore the scandal is difficult, and probably not necessary. Rather, this is an occasion to decide on a position and join either the supporters of the boycott or its opponents. It seems that both points of view have a right to exist: on the one hand, some actions definitely should not go unpunished, on the other hand, cinema is still a product of collective creativity, and whether it is worth punishing the rest of the crew members is a big question. (Another thing is that some of the stars who starred in the film donated their royalties to the #TimesUp movement and charitable causes.)
However, the whole situation around the film with its plot does not echo in any way. A Rainy Day in New York is another Woody Allen film, in a good and bad sense of the word at the same time. Melancholy, ironic, nervous, with characters confused and lost — despite the general arrangement and social well-being — heroes; timeless, which is why smartphone ringtones ripping open the canvas are so annoying. But they also remind that Allen’s heroes have always been and are.
Against the background of these heroes, you feel unconditionally, thoroughly, completely normal.
Grooms, on the eve of the wedding, are ready to abandon their beloved only because, with all her virtues, she has a terrible, unbearable laugh. Jealous husbands, tormented by suspicions, fair or not, do not matter). Directors are in a state of creative crisis, ready to grasp at any straw (especially young and attractive). Lovers, easily slipping into a maelstrom of betrayal. Eccentrics, stubbornly hiding from the present behind a curtain of old films, poker and piano music, mired in mental and verbal skirmishes with their mother (and, as you know, most often everything boils down to these conflicts — at least with Allen).
And most importantly, against the background of all these heroes, you feel unconditionally, thoroughly, completely normal. And for that alone, the movie is worth watching.