Movie Notes: Stardust Memories

June 23rd, 2009

= 2 stars

Starring Woody Allen, Charlotte Rampling, Jessica Harper
Directed by Woody Allen

Synopsis

Director Sandy Bates (Woody Allen), depressed about his reputation as a comedic director, recalls his failed relationship with actress Dorrie (Charlotte Rampling).

The Good

• Allen goes Fellini, more specifically 8 1/2. In the opening sequence, instead of escape, Allen’s character is trapped in a train car with strange, Felliniesque characters and ends up gazing upon a pile of garbage. Allen uses Fellini’s film style to comment on the claustrophobia of fame, as hundreds of bizarre strangers continually pester Sandy. But while Fellini can come across as life-affirming, Allen’s take is notably cynical. Since similar means are used to different ends, it feels more like homage than mimicry.
• The balance between comedy and drama isn’t found — which is exactly what Sandy complains about. Perhaps the movie was directed by him.
• Once cool scene, framed by Allen’s thoughts and an audience reaction, features Dorrie (Charlotte Rampling) flipping through a magazine to the music of Louie Armstrong.

The Bad

• Sandy is not very transparently, Allen himself, but as a result, the film feels damagingly self-conscious. The last scene of an audience commenting on the movie itself — by presenting his worry, he invites criticism.
• The characters aren’t as strong as other Allen movies of this period, and Diane Keaton is notably absent. Neither Rampling or Harper can fill her shoes.
• Partway through, I realized I had seen this flick before but completely forgotten it. That’s never a good feeling.

Conclusion

This flick polarizes die-hard Woody Allen fans. I’ll say I enjoyed the Felliniesque aspects, but what ultimately damages the film is its self-conscious ruminations on drama vs. comedy. If one wants to be taken seriously, just present a serious work.

Sandwiched between much better films, Stardust Memories felt like a step backwards. It’s only interesting to die hard Allen fans who want to watch Allen trying to find that elusive balance he’d finally master — a few movies later.

Next Woody Allen Movie: A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy
Previous Woody Allen Movie: Manhattan

IMDB: Stardust Memories
Wikipedia: Stardust Memories
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