You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger (R) 98 minutes B-
Domestic angst and the unpredictability of love
Starring Freida Pinto, Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Lucy Punch, Neil Jackson, Naomi Watts, Ewen Bremner, Anna Friel, Anthony Hopkins and Gemma Jones
The title of Woody Allen's latest film, You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger, signifies the disillusionment and mystery of love/romance. In somewhat typical fashion the film follows two unhappy couples as they long for love and search for greener pastures. The dramedy is not unlike Allen's past endeavors and no less brilliant.
Roy (Josh Brolin) is a novelist trying to avoid being a one-hit wonder. After a successful debut novel years ago he's produced nothing but flops. His wife Sally (Naomi Watts) has sacrificed her own dreams of starting a family to support and encourage Roy. Lacking any kind of emotional connection they both seek solace in others: Roy admires the beautiful stranger next door while Sally quietly fantasizes about running off with her wealthy boss (Antonio Banderas).
Meanwhile, Sally's parents announce they're divorcing after 40 years of marriage. Helena (Gemma Jones), Sally's mother, is distraught. Alfie (Anthony Hopkins), Sally's Dad, feels he has been reborn- "he's had his teeth whitened and his skin darkened". Alfie takes up with a prostitute turned actress who is half his age while Helena turns to a fortune-telling charlatan who only tells her what she wants to hear.
At first the film comes off as a little dry, but a week later it's still lingering in my head. The ending was a little off putting as well because story builds a full head of steam and ends abruptly.... Then again, such is life sometimes.
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