A schizophrenic film, with scenes and situations recognisably Allenian, but set within a totally original framework, in which a group of writers debate drama vs. comedy by contrasting two totally different versions of the same story with Melinda - an awesome Radha Mitchell - common to both. For my money, both lead performance and screenplay were as award-worthy as Blue Jasmine, with which it has some similarities. Radha's in some incredible long takes.
Woody had wanted Robert Downey Jr and Winona Ryder but the insurers wouldn't back them (not the first time I've heard that in relation to Downey). He actually was more interested in the dramatic version of the story and came away wishing he'd just focused on that, as he did Crimes and Misdemeanours.
In support are: Chloe Sevigny, Jonny Lee Miller, Matt Servito (The Sopranos), Arija Bareikis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin (drama); Will Ferrell, Amanda Peet, Steve Carrell (comedy). Stravinsky and Bartok play against jazz.
"Of course we communicate. Now can we not talk about it."
Vilmos Zsigmond shot it, effortlessly catching changing light in exterior walking / talking shots. Didn't really notice the way in which the two stories are filmed slightly differently.
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