HUSBANDS AND WIVES (1992)
A Film Review Copyright Dragan Antulov 2003
"Life imitates art" is a proverb Woody Allen probably didn't like to be reminded of in 1992, when the plot of his comedy/drama HUSBAND AND WIVES had strange resemblance to some of the very publicised events in his real life. Tabloid hysteria practically drowned any possibility for the objective appraisal or honest promotion of the film. This is shame, because HUSBANDS AND WIVES belong to the better part of Allen's 1990s opus.
The protagonist of HUSBAND AND WIVES is typical for Allen's film - middle-aged neurotic New York intellectual played by Allen himself. Gabe Roth is college professor who lives in seemingly perfect marriage with Judy (played by Mia Farrow), but their happiness begins to shatter when they receive shocking news of their best friends - Jack (played by Sydney Pollack) and Judy (played by Judy Davis) - are about to end their marriage, which also seemed to be perfect to outside observers. While Jack and Sally try to find happiness in new relationships, Gabe and Judy are getting increasingly distant from each other. Gabe becomes enchanted with his talented, attractive and twice younger student Rain (played by Juliette Lewis).
Many would like to think that the collapse of Woody Allen's and Mia Farrow's long-lasting and artistically fruitful relationship affected not only the content of HUSBAND AND WIVES but also its style. This film really looks different from most of Allen's 1980s and 1990s films thanks to quasi-documentary style, but again, this might be interpreted as "gimmick for gimmick's sake", just like Greek chorus in MIGHTY APHRODITE. The film's content, despite some darker undertones, is more or less in line with Allen's old themes and those who don't like Allen might call it "recycled material". Yet, Allen is cynical and funny enough to deliver it in just another entertaining package. The acting is top notch, and Juliette Lewis should be commended for her excellent performance in one of her thankless and rather unappreciated role.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
Review written on November 13th 2003
Dragan Antulov a.k.a. Drax http://film.purger.com - Filmske recenzije na hrvatskom/Movie Reviews in Croatian http://www.ofcs.org - Online Films Critics Society
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