I realised today that the device of a couple looking at past events whilst actually standing in the scene (e.g. Anne Hall) is from Bergman - Wild Strawberries. Some IMDB reviewer suggests the whole film is a remake - which it sort of is - an academic looks back on his life en route to collecting an award. ("I can't believe that my old school wants to honor me and I show up with a hooker and a dead body.") This is a more complex film though, as flashbacks alternate with scenes from the writer's own fictions - his characters start commenting on his life!
Messy editing, long takes, stellar cast (all of whom reappear at the end when he receives his 'real' award), provoking the conclusion that he is only comfortable existing within fiction rather than real life.
Judy Davis, Julia-Louis Dreyfus, Richard Benjamin, Billy Crystal, Tobey Maguire, Robin Williams, Julie Kavner, Kirstie Alley, Mariel Hemingway, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Bob Balaban. Hazelle Goodman, Elisabeth Shue, Eric Bogosian, Paul Giamatti, Philip Bosco, Gene Saks, Caroline Aaron, Tony Sirico.
Photographed by Carlo di Palma in NYC, edited by Susan Morse (with Mark Livolsi an assistant).
Great opening/closing song 'Twisted' by Annie Ross. (Even this is abruptly cut off after the credits!)
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| Out-of-focus Woody with Hazelle Goodman |
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| 'Bosch' according to Q - Santo Loquasto is the designer |
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| Woody, Crystal, Elizabeth Shue |
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