My mini film festival about leading ladies of the stage and screen continues with Woody Allen's Bullets Over Broadway.
After the revelations of his personal life and the poor reception of his 1993 comedy Manhattan Murder Mystery many thought Woody Allen's career as an important filmmaker was over. But in 1994 he surprised critics and audiences with his comical farce Bullets Over Broadway.
The movie mixes to genres, films about "the theatre" and gangster pictures to create a winning comedy. John Cusack is a struggling author who will do anything to get his play produced. Anything includes hiring a bossy, talentless actress (Meg Tilly) in order to get financing from her mobster boyfriend. He cast fading leading lady Helen St. Clair (Dianne Wiest) as his star. Unfortunately she is more focused on her drinking than her acting.
The play is not that good until bodyguard Cheech (Chazz Palminteri) starts offering ideas. As the play moves towards opening night complications ensue, including who wrote what and who is sleeping with who?
Allen handles his ensemble cast with the deft hand of an experienced director. The film has many of the familiar Allen type one-liners and the comic timing is superb. The film went on to receive seven Oscar nominations including Best Director, Best Screenplay and Diane Wiest won for Best Supporting Actor.
At The Movie House rating ***1/2 stars
2 comments:
I have enjoyed reading your reviews. although they are a little short ( no offence)
best wishes
john
John,
Thanks for the comment. I am glad you enjoy my blog. I would agree that my reviews have been shorter lately. I have been writing them before I go to work and have not had as much time.
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