Why ‘Anything Else’ (2003) is worth revisiting

When Woody Allen’s film “Anything Else” was released in 2003, the public and critics were divided in their opinions. Some loved it, some hated it, and others just shrugged their shoulders and said “meh”. Personally, I think “Anything Else” is one of Woody’s more underrated films, and here’s why.

Christina Ricci in ‘Anything Else’ (2003)

Firstly, the film is chock-full of Woody’s trademark neurotic humour, which I personally find hilarious. From the opening scene where Allen’s character, a struggling comedy writer named David, is held up at gunpoint, to the various absurd situations he finds himself in throughout the film, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments to be had.

Secondly, the film boasts an impressive cast, including Jason Biggs as David’s young protégé, Christina Ricci as his unpredictable girlfriend, and Danny DeVito as his manager. Their performances are all top-notch, particularly Ricci’s, who brings a unique energy to the film.

However, the film’s humour and cast weren’t enough to win over all the critics. Some found the film too disjointed and unfocused, with too many subplots and not enough cohesion. Others found it too similar to Allen’s previous work, accusing him of retreading old ground.

But here’s the thing: Woody Allen films are always going to be compared to his previous work. That’s just the nature of his career. And while “Anything Else” may not be as groundbreaking as “Annie Hall” or as iconic as “Manhattan,” it still has plenty to offer.

For one thing, it’s a more introspective film than some of Allen’s other comedies. There’s a melancholy undercurrent running through the film, particularly in David’s relationship with his girlfriend, which feels more realistic and less idealised than some of Allen’s previous onscreen romances.

Additionally, the film deals with some weighty themes, including mortality, the meaning of life, and the nature of art. These are all classic Woody Allen topics, but they’re explored in a fresh and interesting way in “Anything Else.”

So, while “Anything Else” may not have been the critical darling that some of Woody Allen’s other films have been, it’s still worth revisiting. It’s a funny, smart, and thought-provoking film that deserves a second look. And if nothing else, it’s a reminder that Woody Allen is still one of the most distinctive and talented filmmakers working today.

Reviews:

1. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, “I have no idea why Anything Else was made, or why Woody Allen wanted to make it.” Ebert was critical of the film’s disjointed storytelling and uneven performances, particularly from lead actor Jason Biggs. He concluded his review by stating, “The movie feels like a collection of ideas and attitudes that never quite come together.”
2. A.O. Scott of The New York Times was more positive in his review, stating that “Anything Else is a welcome reminder that Woody Allen is still capable of making a good, funny movie.” Scott praised the film’s sharp dialogue and the performances of its supporting cast, particularly Christina Ricci and Stockard Channing. He noted that while the film may not reach the heights of Allen’s earlier work, it still has its own charms.
3. In a review for The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw wrote, “There are some great one-liners. How could it be otherwise? But everything looks dated, adrift and obsolete; its characters and situations would all sit better in the Manhattan of 30 or even 40 years ago.”
4. Entertainment Weekly’s Owen Gleiberman gave Anything Else a mixed review, stating that while the film had its moments of humor, it was ultimately “a minor, distracted, and not terribly involving work.” Gleiberman criticized the film’s lack of character development and the inconsistency of its tone, but did praise the performances of Ricci and Channing.
5. Stephanie Zacharek of Salon.com was critical of Anything Else, stating that “the picture is far too flimsy to support Allen’s themes.” Zacharek was particularly critical of Biggs’ performance and the film’s reliance on tired cliches. She concluded her review by stating, “Anything Else is a trifle, a souffle without substance.”

Sources:

1. Roger Ebert, “Anything Else,” Chicago Sun-Times, September 19, 2003.
2. A.O. Scott, “Film Review; A New Woody Allen Film, and Suddenly You’re in Familiar Territory,” The New York Times, September 19, 2003.
3. Peter Bradshaw, “Anything Else,” The Guardian, October 3, 2003.
4. Owen Gleiberman, “Anything Else,” Entertainment Weekly, September 26, 2003.
5. Stephanie Zacharek, “Anything Else,” Salon.com, September 19, 2003.