I was having chemotherapy when this came out and don't actually remember its even existing. And, to be honest, it barely does exist. It has lots of superb actors. It's shot with great atmosphere. But it is a little of this and a little of that and not much of anything in the end.
Mia Farrow is charming as a waif. Allen as the central character is annoying. He wrote and directed it so who am I to criticize? But, though the plot doesn't make much sense, it appears to be a very serious movie. And here he is, doing his usual shtick as a (supposedly) lovable nebbish.
The brothel scenes are the movie's highlights. The prostitutes -- Lily Tomlin, Kathy Bates -- are cast against type but are very funny and believable. John Cusak is also cast against type as a bookish but sexually ravenous student. He seems to have independent means and pays Farrow, who has been given refuge by the girls, a large sum even by today's standards.
Allen writes very well and is a superb director. None of his movies are uninteresting. This one is somewhat amorphous but has many fine sequences.
Mia Farrow is charming as a waif. Allen as the central character is annoying. He wrote and directed it so who am I to criticize? But, though the plot doesn't make much sense, it appears to be a very serious movie. And here he is, doing his usual shtick as a (supposedly) lovable nebbish.
The brothel scenes are the movie's highlights. The prostitutes -- Lily Tomlin, Kathy Bates -- are cast against type but are very funny and believable. John Cusak is also cast against type as a bookish but sexually ravenous student. He seems to have independent means and pays Farrow, who has been given refuge by the girls, a large sum even by today's standards.
Allen writes very well and is a superb director. None of his movies are uninteresting. This one is somewhat amorphous but has many fine sequences.