Wonder Wheel (2017 Woody Allen & scr)

Starts out in familiar territory, then we're dazzled by 1950s Coney Island, then we're in an incredibly beautiful play comprising long, perfectly acted scenes between Kate Winslet, Jim Belushi, Juno Temple and Justin Timberlake. I don't know Eugene O'Neill, but it does seem like we're in some classic American theatrical experience like Streetcar... We feel so sorry for Kate's character - she gives an extraordinary performance. Excuse me? No Oscar nomination?? Nor for Vittorio??

So yes - he's done it again. It's not funny but it's not stagebound either (like September) - and we're completely teased by the ending, which features Tony Sirico and Steve Schirripa from The Sopranos.

The lighting as an emotional underscore, e.g. in beach scene with Kate and Justin, is extraordinary.

Thematically, had me thinking of The Purple Rose of Cairo - without the funny bits.

And - I was sure that tape recorder was going to figure in the story. somehow...