Irrational Man

Woody Allen's 46th film as a director is an intriguing comedy about a tormented, disillusioned philosophy professor who muses about “morality, choice, and the aesthetics of life, randomness, and murder.” A mischievous morality tale infused with dark humor, Irrational Man—which takes its title from a 1958 book by existentialist philosopher William Barrett—finds Abe Lucas (Joaquin Phoenix) arriving at Rhode Island's Braylin College, where his charismatic reputation precedes him, or at least the rumors about his alcoholism and legendary penchant for young women. Abe presents an enticing challenge for frustrated faculty colleague Rita Richards (Parker Posey), as well as eager philosophy student Jill Pollard (Emma Stone). Addressing his Ethical Strategies class, Abe maintains that “much of philosophy is verbal masturbation.” While we think we know right from wrong, says Abe, circumstances can change. Nihilistic Abe suffers from psychological depression, a bleak condition that is immediately—and somewhat remarkably—relieved after he and Jill eavesdrop on a conversation in which a distraught mother recounts how she is about to lose custody of her children because her estranged ex-husband is in cahoots with a corrupt judge. With his existential imagination working overtime, Abe fantasizes about the sleazy judge's death. Going one step further, Abe decides to kill him and he plots how to commit the perfect crime. In Allen's pantheon, Irrational Man most closely resembles Crimes and Misdemeanors and Match Point, sporting clever writing, conflicting narratives, and a fine Ramsey Lewis Trio jazz-infused soundtrack. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include red carpet Los Angeles premiere footage (4 min.), a photo gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a small extras package for another solid Woody Allen film.] (S. Granger)