Irrational Man (2015)

A tormented philosophy professor finds a will to live when he commits an existential act.

Director:

Woody Allen

Writer:

Woody Allen

Stars:

Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Parker Posey

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joaquin Phoenix	...	Abe Lucas
Emma Stone	...	Jill Pollard
Joe Stapleton	...	Professor
Nancy Carroll	...	Professor
Allison Gallerani	...	Braylin Student
Brigette Lundy-Paine	...	Braylin Student
Katelyn Semer	...	Braylin Student
Betsy Aidem	...	Jill's Mother
Ethan Phillips	...	Jill's Father
Jamie Blackley	...	Roy
Leah Anderson	...	Student Giving Directions
Paula Plum	...	College President
Nancy Giles	...	President's Assistant
Henry Stram	...	Cocktail Party Guest
Geoff Schuppert	...	Cocktail Party Guest

Storyline

A new philosophy professor arrives on a small town campus near Newport, Rhode Island. His name, Abe Lucas. His reputation : bad. Abe is said to be a womanizer and an alcoholic. But what people do not know is that he is a disillusioned idealist. Since he has become aware of his inability to change the world, he has indeed been living in a state of deep nihilism and arrogant desperation. In class, he only goes through the motions and outside he drinks too much. But as far as sex is concerned, he is just a shadow of himself now: depression is not synonymous with Viagra! For all that, he can't help being attracted to one of his students, pretty and bright Jill Pollard. He enters into a relationship with her which remains platonic, even if Jill would not say no to more. The situation remains unchanged for a while until, one day, in a diner, Abe and Jill surprise a conversation that will change the course of their lives dramatically...

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Plot Keywords:

teacher student affair | professor | russian roulette | judge | murder | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language and sexual content

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [France]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 August 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Woody Allen Project

Filming Locations:

Rhode Island, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$175,312, 19 July 2015, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$4,027,764, 30 October 2015

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gravier Productions, Perdido Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Joaquin Phoenix's first time working with Woody Allen.

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Goofs

Judge Spangler and his friends are not playing bridge. During the bidding phase all four players would have their cards in their hands but during the shot they are playing their cards and therefore not in the bidding phase. To be depicted correctly the declarer's partner's hand would need to be laid down on the table as the "dummy" during play.

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Quotes

Abe: It's very scary when you run out of distractions.

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Connections

References Scoop (2006)

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Soundtracks

Prelude & Fugue No. 2 in C Minor
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bernard Roberts
Courtesy of Naxos of America, Inc.

User Reviews

'those later funny ones'

I enjoyed this even more than my rating suggests and I haven't scored it higher because it didn't make me want to see it again straightaway, which is basically my rationale for giving a film tops. Why not? Because, I think, I simply loved everything about this film and sat smiling and tingling not sure what was coming next but loving it all and I don't think all that would happen second time. Daft? Yes, maybe but certainly this is a must see film, perfectly constructed with full on comedic script and intelligent and sparkling dialogue. There is even a bit of action! Woody gives a nod here to Strangers on a Train but i think he he were honest there is even more of 'Dexter'. Its that clever mix of logic, rationality, morality, sin and humour. Lots of little things amused me, I particularly liked the elements of 'chance' and the astute and sharp critiques of various philosophers. i also enjoyed being surprised and never quite knowing where this was going - just loving the ride. This is most defiantly like 'one of those early funny ones, indeed we may have to start referring to 'those later funny ones' if Woody Allen carries on at this rate. Excellent.