​FILMS

she's funny that way

2015 review number 77:

She's Funny That Way: (Comedy): 70 out of 100: Peter Bogdanovich, the critically acclaimed director of "The Last Picture Show" returns to direct a feature length film for the first time in 13 years. During his illustrious career, he has made some screwball comedies such as "What's Up Doc?" and "Noises Off". You can add "She's Funny That Way" to that list.

 

Popular actress Isabella Patterson (Imogen Poots) is interviewed by Judy (Illeana Douglas) to recall her life before she became famous. She unashamedly admits that she was a call girl. One of her clients was Broadway director Arnold Albertson (Owen Wilson) who advances her career by giving her $30,000. He is married to stage actress Delta Simmons (Kathryn Hahn) who once had a dalliance with British co-star Seth Gilbert (Rhys Ifans). The shenanigans come to the fore when Isabella lands a role in Arnold's new play which has been written by Joshua Fleet (Will Forte), who is attracted to Isabella. Nettie Finkelstein (Jennifer Aniston) is the neurotic psychologist who has Isabella as one of her patients and is the ex-girlfriend of Joshua.

 

Just by looking at the synopsis, you can tell that this comedy relies heavily on coincidences. After a seemingly slow start to set up the situations, the comedy perks up once all the characters and their motives have been established. Most of the characters are quirky and oddball, led by Rhys Ifans' hilarious turn as the British heartthrob who still aches for Delta. This must be a joke in itself because one wouldn't call Ifans an Adonis.

 

Owen Wilson channels Woody Allen in his portrayal of the sleazy director who hands out money to hookers so they can improve their lives. His stuttering, maniacal delivery promotes the screwball element to this film. Jennifer Aniston is a blast as the therapist who should be receiving counselling, herself. Imogen Poots is delightful in her role and is another fine example of how well the Brits can play Americans.

 

Not all the funny scenes work. Some labour under the strain of overacting, particularly by Cybill Shepherd who plays Isabella's mother. She is almost unrecognisable under all that plastic. Support roles led by Austin Pendleton who plays the judge who hires Isabella as a hooker, fare better.

 

Bogdanovich films the movie in a way that is reminiscent of Hollywood comedies from yesteryear. There are quite a few slide transitions to lead into a new scene and two-person shots where the characters are engaging in conversation. There's none of those quick edits which seem to draw the young crowd, so this might bore Generations Y and Z.

 

There hasn't been a screwball comedy for a while so it's a chance for people unfamiliar with this genre to check out this movie. You'll have to ignore subtlety if you are to fully appreciate the story but it is funny enough to justify sitting through.

 

Starring Owen Wilson, Imogen Poots, Rhys Ifans, Will Forte, Kathryn Hahn and Jennifer Aniston

(93 minutes)

Parental advice: Sexual references and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits we see what happens to some of the characters as a result of the situations they found themselves in before the conclusion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5WtPcWlae4 (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 4th June, 2015)

 

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