Rent Irrational Man (2015)

Campus Film. - Irrational Man review by Steve

Considering the amount of material Woody Allen has mined from his single term at NYU, it is perhaps surprising that this campus film is his first. It is set at a small university on Rhode Island, where the arrival of notorious philosophy academic (Joaquin Phoenix) unleashes debate about his teaching methods.

His reckless depression and affairs with a chemistry professor (Parker Posey) and student (Emma Stone) make him a volatile presence. The characters are archetypes, though Phoenix's charisma makes much of his role. Stone and- especially- Posey are appealing support.

The story proceeds like an illustrated philosophy essay (with lectures) as existentialism is played off against Kant. Phoenix chooses the former when he takes direct action to poison a corrupt judge. Stone adopts the latter when she threatens to turn her teacher in. And Allen builds up the suspense better than he ever has.

The intellectual theories aren't much of a stretch. But there's an interesting political twist. The philosopher concludes his life only has meaning if he intervenes to ensure right is done. With democracy in crisis across the world, the alternative of direct action has come into focus. Which gives the film some contemporary political relevance.  

Lacklustre - Irrational Man review by BE

Just about about holds the attention but expected more from this Woody Allen movie. Unfortunately, Joaquin Phoenix - usually turning in sterling performances - only as good as his script and character, which weren't up to much.