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Woody Allen pits laughs versus tears in new film ‘Melinda’
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Story
Comedy, tragedy, or both.
That argument is at the center of Woody Allen’s newly written and directed film “Melinda and Melinda.” It begins with two writers at dinner bickering over which of their preferred methods, comedy or tragedy, connects better with people.
A premise to a story is then offered, and each writer begins his version of how his approach to the story works best. Although the concept is flawed, Allen’s prowess allows the film to reach the understanding that neither style could work without the other.
Radha Mitchell stars in dual roles as the character Melinda. Tragic Melinda is a lost soul who unexpectedly shows up on the doorstep of her Park Avenue friend (ChloÎ Sevigny). Comedic Melinda sublets an apartment in the same building as her new neighbors (Amanda Peet and Will Ferrell), who open their door to Melinda.
Melinda’s friends are out-of-work actors and ambitious career women, and they all seek love from outside their marriage. Melinda tries to find where she belongs in her attempt at a new life.
One section of the story progresses to a point, then stops, and the other plays catch-up, using a similar sequence of events. Both Melindas find comfort in the company of friends, get set up on dates, and interview for new jobs.
The overriding flaw of the film is in its original concept. By telling two nearly identical stories, the risk involves the possibility that one story will overpower the other. If one of the ideas becomes more interesting than the other, a switch to the secondary plot will be frustrating. In “Melinda and Melinda,” the romantic comedy portion is more clever and witty than the overbearing tones of the tragic, woe-is-me Melinda.
With just the right amount of Will Ferrell shtick, the comedy storyline trumps the dry performances of the tragic segment. Through his character’s marital problems, the film finds that a well-written comedy resonates better than melodrama.
Although it would not work as a straightforward romantic comedy, “Melinda and Melinda” finds success through the realization that, like the two writers arguing over what works best for writing a play, life is better suited to a combination of both comedy and tragedy.
Eric Ravenscroft
Culture Writer
