Say what you will about Woody Allen as a human being, you
cannot deny that his films are truly unique. These movies don’t just tell
quirky or neurotic tales of obsession and jealousy; they make us reexamine the
concept of a protagonist and antagonist. And in most of his films, both are
usually the same character. He also enjoys creating ensembles of great actors
who can both stand out and yet work together in their scenes so that each
moment feels like a symphony of sorts. Most of his millennial work, Allen is
hit or miss. But when he hits, he usually hits big like Midnight in Paris or
Vicky Christina Barcelona.
So where does that leave Café Society, his most recent film?
It’s not as whimsical or as witty as most of his other work, but it does
something that is reminiscent of his 80s work such as Manhattan or Hannah and
Her Sisters, which is to create a hopefully melancholic atmosphere.
