DECONSTRUCTING HARRY (R)
Directed by Woody Allen Running Time: 95 minutes Originally Released: January 2, 1998
Reviewed by E. Benjamin Kelsey
* * ½ (out of four)
Ok, Woody, we get it. As sad as that is to say, laughing at obvious incarnations of Mr. Allen himself is just getting less and less appealing. Perhaps a more blatant self-analysis than most, DECONSTRUCTING HARRY heads nowhere fast, a common attribute to many Allen films, but never has the ride been so dull.
A year after the wonderful EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU, which showed a fresh, and yet more classic side to Woody Allen's film-making, DECONSTRUCTING HARRY is here. It's the story of Harry Block (Allen), a writer whose novels are no more than thinly disguised renditions of his personal life. Those who knew him most intimately are making unauthorized pseudo-appearances in Harry's books, and they are all greatly offended by what has unofficially-but-obviously been revealed. Those most upset include Harry's ex-wife/ex-therapist Joan (Kirstie Alley), and Joan's sister, Lucy (Judy Davis), whom we quickly learn was having an affair with Harry at the time. The situation isn't helped any by the fact that Woody's entire life has been libidinously centered and completely unfaithful.
But now Harry has been invited to receive an honorary award from the school that once expelled him, and trying to find someone to accompany him is proving very difficult. When it comes down to it, this is really just an excuse to get Harry to visit old friends, which is really just an excuse to replay old memories, which is really just an excuse to allow Allen's self-catharsis to take place. Luckily, Allen does have some interesting approaches to this catharsis, and if it hadn't been for his less than standard direction, nothing would have saved this film. Even with the same script, it could easily have been downright awful. What makes this film as enjoyable as it is, which may not be a lot, is the interesting blend between "real life" and the novelized interpretations. We flip back and forth between the characters from Harry's books and the people they parallel. One minute we're watching the fictional Leslie (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and the next, we're back to Lucy, all the while the exact same story is being told. This, along with just a few very funny moments, makes this film almost worthwhile, and for very adamant Woody Allen fans, it may even be a blast.
If you're not an extreme fan of Allen, however, DECONSTRUCTING HARRY is likely going to be a giant waste of time. If you're familiar with his work, you may be surprised at the turn this film takes, including dialogue more reminiscent of Andrew Dice Clay's uncensored standup comedy than classic Allen. The script is heavily laced with profanity and vulgarity, even more obscene than Allen's usual sex-obsessed works. This would be more uncomfortable to sit thru with your mom than EVERYTHING YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SEX, because at least that film was handling those subjects with tactful humor, not just throwing it out there so nonchalant. Such explicit dialogue is nothing new to the world of movies, but it's never been so explored by Allen. Just be aware.
DECONSTRUCTING HARRY is just another soapbox for Allen to proclaim his own insecurities and philosophies about life. It's nothing new by any means, and quite frankly, it's boring. Allen really seems convinced that we're anxious to hear his side of everyone's story, but this overly self-indulgent film has nothing to offer anyone, aside from Allen himself. The large cast of highly recognizable actors are merely skimmed over, adding no real benefit to the experience. Allen has never been one to create deep, rich, individual characters; we're usually stuck with the same, fast-talking array of New Yorkers. The only thing that changes is the *quantity* of these characters in each film. In other words, a dozen or so great actors only give your eyes a little more something to do.
DECONSTRUCTING HARRY is worthy of two-and-a-half stars merely on the basis that is was done very well. Of course, well-presented boredom is not much better than mediocre boredom is it?
January 07, 1998
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