Irrational Man
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: July 17, 2015
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 114 Ratings
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Positive:
69
Mixed:
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Negative:
10
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6
TVJerryAug 10, 2015
Joaquin Phoenix plays a philosophy professor who's low on life when he moves to a new college. He spends much of the rest of the movie interacting with student Emma Stone (and a few scenes with Parker Posey), philosophizing and moralizing.Joaquin Phoenix plays a philosophy professor who's low on life when he moves to a new college. He spends much of the rest of the movie interacting with student Emma Stone (and a few scenes with Parker Posey), philosophizing and moralizing. When he makes a drastic decision, it changes him for the better but develops into a moral dilemma. As expected from a Woody Allen film, the actors are all good, but his endless early chatter makes staying around a challenge. The last third becomes more compelling, but you gotta sit thru the rest for the payoff. Oh yes, this is not one of Allen's comedies: not one laugh in site.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
beingryanjudeJul 20, 2015
While sure to be overlooked by many, Irrational Man deserves more than a shrug. It's as well-crafted as many of Woody's other murder mystery flicks and holds its own. Sure, I've seen better performances in the past, but Parker Posey more thanWhile sure to be overlooked by many, Irrational Man deserves more than a shrug. It's as well-crafted as many of Woody's other murder mystery flicks and holds its own. Sure, I've seen better performances in the past, but Parker Posey more than shines throughout. It's the type of mischievous and intelligent fun that reminds you why Woody Allen is such an important writer and director - and why he must continue to release his annual film.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
nicholasbertJan 15, 2016
If Match Point hadn't existed, maybe Irrational Man would be considered differently; however, Match Point does exist, and Irrational Man is essentially a translation of it from British country clubs to American college campuses. The moralIf Match Point hadn't existed, maybe Irrational Man would be considered differently; however, Match Point does exist, and Irrational Man is essentially a translation of it from British country clubs to American college campuses. The moral dilemma (including the importance of chance) is autoreferential and a hallmark of Woody Allen's take on life. It maybe would be fair to assume Irrational Man to be the solidification point of the director's career, a sort of "this is what I do" stated in capital letters.

This being said, Irrational Man isn't despicable: what it lacks is a few adjustments to make Abe's dilemma and resolution clearer and perhaps more humour. It is essentially driven by Joaquin Phoenix's and Emma Stone's performances, without a doubt the proof they are good, if not great, actors. The dialogue is cultivated and relentless as you'd expect from Woody Allen - it's just not as funny or cynical.

One would do Irrational Man a dishonour to review it in light of Allen's past films and therefore downing its rating. It's not his best, but it's more pleasant and more insightful than so many more.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
Brent_MarchantJul 24, 2015
By no means one of Woody Allen's best efforts (a little talky at times, a little forced in plot development in others) but certainly not the awful mess some have made it out to be. The intriguing story line gets better as the film movesBy no means one of Woody Allen's best efforts (a little talky at times, a little forced in plot development in others) but certainly not the awful mess some have made it out to be. The intriguing story line gets better as the film moves along, especially once one gets past the first 30 minutes or so. Don't go in with high expectations and you won't be disappointed.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
moviescriticnetJan 6, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One more of Woody Allen's failures is his latest one, Irrational Man. Here is the story according to imdb: "A tormented philosophy professor finds a will to live when he commits an existential act". I would add "just to get his life **** up by a crazy stupid ****
Well, the script is absurd, not funny, not dramatic either, just ridiculous. Allen is name-dropping philosophers again (this time he decides to kill Kant again with his film) in this pseudo-intellectual film that cannot be saved by the talented cast (Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone). The only reason I'm not giving it an F grade is that I like Emma Stone. Irrational Script should have been the name of the film.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
knowmoviesnoseMar 19, 2016
Emma Stone's character is just a mix of those in "Magic in the Moonlight" and "Birdman." Her predictability really bothered me while watching the movie. Making it even harder to watch, she and Joaquin Phoenix have absolutely no chemistryEmma Stone's character is just a mix of those in "Magic in the Moonlight" and "Birdman." Her predictability really bothered me while watching the movie. Making it even harder to watch, she and Joaquin Phoenix have absolutely no chemistry whatsoever, which would have helped make it a bit more believable considering the plot. I got so distracted and uninterested, what was supposed to be an interesting end just didn't move me at all. I guess I'm not a Woody Allen fan...… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
royphishoohMar 30, 2016
Massively disappointing after the brilliant "Magic In The Moonlight" and "Midnight In Paris", this is the worst Woody Allen movie since "Scoop". Emma Stone's over-acting and the tired voice-over narrative ruined a potentially good film.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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2
hotfromcauldronJul 20, 2015
It’s a puzzlement how a matter of life or death can become an interminable bore weighing in at 90 minutes. Woody’s masterbatory pontification on being alive is a short essay at best. A disillusioned alcoholic professor beds both his studentsIt’s a puzzlement how a matter of life or death can become an interminable bore weighing in at 90 minutes. Woody’s masterbatory pontification on being alive is a short essay at best. A disillusioned alcoholic professor beds both his students and married co-workers without any recourse. Dueling voice-overs , reiterate a droning dialogue of the obvious- to all but the characters. Irrational Man quickly turns irritating being miscast - Hollywood please let Emma Stone graduate already! - lacking Allen's acerbic wit and super score. Even as a die-hard fan - sitting through this- forced me to confront my own existential horror.… Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
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10
jhepAug 26, 2015
WOW ! What an EXHILARATING ride ! Thank you Woody for one of your absolutely finest films; up there with Match Point, Manhattan Murder Mysteries, Small Time Crooks, Manhattan, Shadows and Fog, Radio Days, You Will Meet a Tall Dark StrangerWOW ! What an EXHILARATING ride ! Thank you Woody for one of your absolutely finest films; up there with Match Point, Manhattan Murder Mysteries, Small Time Crooks, Manhattan, Shadows and Fog, Radio Days, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger and- yes- Broadway Danny Rose !………Woody Allen when he‘s at home and reading Stendhal and Graham Greene……Having read the reviews I walked in expecting very little but I left the theatre having seen one of the most powerful, superbly acted and brilliantly directed films I have ever seen !

“Irrational Man” is a sort of Zen Master’s punch in the head. A “film noir” to rival Billy Wilder’s masterpiece Double Indemnity, Welles’ Touch of Evil or Carol Reeds‘ The Third Man…..….and what an amazing cast ! From the opening scene to the final shot this movie grabs you and fascinates you and has you eagerly anticipating the next plot twist. Both Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix grace this film with performances that can only be termed “jaw-dropping”; their talent defying you to sit back and say “well, it’s just a movie”, they COMMAND your attention every moment. What an amazing film ! What a gem!…..This is why people keep going to movies.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
SzenAug 29, 2015
"Irrational Man" delivers some great dialogues and captivating performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone, with an old time classic, Woody Allen, twist at the end. Although it doesn't break any new ground, at the director's filmography.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
Kayl_BraflovskiJun 21, 2016
ОЧ понравился фильм! Фильм
очень филосовский ! 1010 ! особенно Эмма Стоун Офигительна! Великолепный, качественный фильм!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
BHBarrySep 10, 2015
"Irrational Man" stars Joaquim Phoenix, Emma Stone and Parker Posey in this mystery drama written and directed by Woody Allen. Although seeing this film late in **** distribution cycle and having heard various comments and reviews of it, I"Irrational Man" stars Joaquim Phoenix, Emma Stone and Parker Posey in this mystery drama written and directed by Woody Allen. Although seeing this film late in **** distribution cycle and having heard various comments and reviews of it, I watched with an open mind as this ,in my opinion, pretty good film unfolded. The dialogue and plot were witty and fast paced and the acting by Mr. Phoenix held up to the standards of the role. By now most readers will probably have seen the film and formed their own opinions as to its worth. For me, it was entertaining, well edited and, with its Hitchcock-like ending, worthy of an 8.0 rating… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
preciouskikiAug 9, 2015
• PROS: Excellent performances from Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix and Parker Posey. And I was delighted to see journalist/actress/comedienne Nancy Giles in a small role in the beginning. (Fans of CBS Sunday Morning have enjoyed Nancy Giles'• PROS: Excellent performances from Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix and Parker Posey. And I was delighted to see journalist/actress/comedienne Nancy Giles in a small role in the beginning. (Fans of CBS Sunday Morning have enjoyed Nancy Giles' broadcast segments for many years). I'd love to see Nancy Giles in more movies. Loved the music, especially "The In Crowd" by the Ramsey Lewis Trio. And the Newport, Rhode Island seaside setting was gorgeous. And I especially enjoyed the way the movie treats the subject of right-or-wrong situations that pop up in our everyday lives. It gives you something to talk about later. The movie is only 94 minutes long, which seemed just about right, leaving you wanting more, like the old show business adage.

• CONS: There were one or two spots where I thought the plot stretched my suspension of disbelief just a bit too far, but I was willing to overlook those moments because I was enjoying the rest of the film so thoroughly.

• THE UPSHOT: I would recommend this as a highly entertaining drama with touches of Woody Allen's incomparable wit and a few surprises along the way.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
ledaumasAug 14, 2015
It's amazing how Woody Allentown gets away with taking other people's stories, and getting undeserved praise as a writer/director. "Blue Jasmine" was an update of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Names Desire." "Midnight in Paris" used quotesIt's amazing how Woody Allentown gets away with taking other people's stories, and getting undeserved praise as a writer/director. "Blue Jasmine" was an update of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Names Desire." "Midnight in Paris" used quotes from the Lost Generation's words and writings as the screenplay. "Magic in the Moonlight" combined the lives of famous magicians, Harry Houdini and Chung Ling Soo. And now we have "Irrational Man" which resembles the premise of Michael Douglas' "Star Chamber," except the characters are less likable. I don't understand how women would fall for Joaquin Phoenix's character. Yet, it's amazing what Joaquin does with an unlikable character. He made the character interesting and intriguing, instead of the whiny way his character was written. Some day, Joaquin wil win an Oscar. But not for this movie.… Expand
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4
csw12Feb 21, 2016
Irrational Man is as dull and dead as its main character. Too many of the conversations seem unnatural and the entire story played out as a weirdly mixed comedy and drama.
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8
amboyAug 12, 2015
This study of an alienated academic philosopher doesn't become a murder story until half way through, and it never becomes much of one (any number of possible twists are overlooked). But the performances are full of wit and invention (EmmaThis study of an alienated academic philosopher doesn't become a murder story until half way through, and it never becomes much of one (any number of possible twists are overlooked). But the performances are full of wit and invention (Emma Stone and Parker Posey hit career highs and Joaquin Phoenix is dead right in a difficult role), and the jazz piano (especially the Ramsey Lewis Trio) is great.… Expand
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7
SpangleApr 11, 2017
With each passing critically maligned modern Woody Allen film that I watch, it becomes readily apparent that I am an Allen apologist. Either that or his films are never as bad as many see them. Known as a legend in the world of comedy,With each passing critically maligned modern Woody Allen film that I watch, it becomes readily apparent that I am an Allen apologist. Either that or his films are never as bad as many see them. Known as a legend in the world of comedy, Irrational Man finds Allen blending mystery - a genre who has some great affinity for - and blending it with straight drama. Though he is also certainly celebrated for his dramas, he had never really made a film that was a mystery and a drama with no comedy. Mysteries of his that come to mind include Manhattan Murder Mystery, Small Time Crooks, and Scoop, all of which included a heavy dosage of comedy. In his late period, Irrational Man stands alone as a film with no real comedy (Blue Jasmine is close, but can be categorized by some as black comedy). Yet, it comes with a plenty of that Allen philosophy that we have come to love over the years. Thus, though its genre may be a bit of a unique blend, it is always apparent that Allen is sitting there behind the camera, if the unique style and camera work did not tip you off right away.

Focusing upon a philosophy professor, Abe Lucas (Joaquin Phoenix), Irrational Man tells the story of his time at a small liberal arts school as a member of its philosophy department. Known for his affairs with students and having a rock-and-roll reputation upon arrival, Abe is now quite the classic Allen misanthrope. Detesting the world, having no reason for living anymore, and unable to perform sexually due to how lost he is, Abe Lucas is a man that just floats through the day and complains about the world to students. While teaching, he strikes up relationships with student Jill Pollard (Emma Stone) and chemistry professor Rita Richards (Parker Posey). Yet, neither satisfy him. He still experiences writer's block and drowns his sorrows in a bottle of alcohol constantly. It is only when he overhears a conversation in a diner about a crooked judge that is taking away a woman's children because he is friends with her deadbeat ex-husband's lawyers that he figures out what will make him feel alive again: murder.

Clearly inspired by the works of Alfred Hitchcock, Allen shows Abe Lucas planning out the perfect murder. A constant theme in Hitchcock's work, Abe takes pleasure in the artistry of planning out the murder akin to films such as Shadow of a Doubt or Dial M for Murder where men joyfully plot out what the perfect murder would turn out to be. Similar to Strangers on a Train, Abe reasons that he is the perfect man to commit this murder since he has no ties to the judge. Finally, similar to the murderers in Rope, he revels in conversations about the murder after the fact as people try to guess who did it and how it was done, all while Abe can sit there with a sly grin on his face knowing that he was the one who had taken out the judge.

This murderous pleasure may reinvigorate Abe's reason for living, yet the key to Allen's film is always the philosophy behind the killing. In particular, how it relates to Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative. In an extended classroom scene, Allen quickly briefs the audience on the concept that suggests lying, in any situation, is wrong. If you are asked a question, it is imperative you respond truthfully because one lie opens the door and a slippery slope begins where one must then determine, situation-by-situation, when to tell a lie. However, Abe interjects that it is a fairy tale situation described by Kant, one that has no basis in reality because any moral person would lie if the Nazis came to their home and asked if Anne Frank was hiding in their attic or not. Foreshadowing how Abe would defend his murder - that it was a net positive to the world for an immoral person to be killed by a moral one - the categorical imperative comes back when Jill references how one murder inevitably leads to another as he must then cover it up. This philosophical concept is what kicks off the climax once Abe realizes that he must cover it up as the police close in on a suspect. Anybody who knows must go and everything is on the table as his supposed superior morality and place of judgment are thrown into question once he realizes the full ramifications of his actions.

Though Allen is an atheist, this film is yet another late period work where he seems to contemplate death, religion, and what life means. Repeated references to existentialism adorn this film with Abe repeatedly declaring that life is meaningless, while also playing with death via russian roulette and alcoholism. Yet, the film's ultimate moral tale that we are not to judge others and damn them to death simply because they are immoral feels inherently Christian, what with the whole "he without sin cast the first stone" portion of the Bible. Though perhaps not finding its roots in the Bible, Irrational Man certainly does apply this principle in formulating where Abe misstepped and where Kant's categorical imperative comes from: that we humans are no judg… Expand
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5
TimbarosSep 15, 2015
Woody Allen's 47th film, 'Irrational Man', sticks to several themes he's already explored in a few of his previous films, and is not one of his best.

An older man being pursued by a younger woman is a plot device that Allen has presentedWoody Allen's 47th film, 'Irrational Man', sticks to several themes he's already explored in a few of his previous films, and is not one of his best.

An older man being pursued by a younger woman is a plot device that Allen has presented to us many times before (Magic in the Moonlight and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger). In 'Irrational Man,' Joaquin Phoenix plays pot-bellied depressed middle age philosophy professor Abe Lucas (Joaquin Phoenix). He's the newest teacher at a small town college in Rhode Island. He's single and doesn't seem to have much going for him. However, two women vie for his attention; unhappily married fellow teacher Rita (Parker Posey) who fantasizes them running away together to Spain, and student Jill (Emma Stone). Jill is in Abe's philosophy class, and she is mesmerized by his teachings and his stance on life. They start to spend lots of time together outside of the classroom, much to the dismay of Jill's perfect boyfriend Roy (Jamie Blackley). Abe tries and tries to resist the urge to sleep with Jill, though he has no trouble having sex with Rita. However, Abe's relationship with Jill is becoming stronger and stronger, until he can no longer resist her, and they eventually sleep together. Jill is so smitten with Abe that she breaks the news to her boyfriend Roy that she wants to break up. The plot then takes a turn: one day at a diner Abe and Jill overhear a woman talking about a local judge who has ruled against her in a divorce proceeding and has awarded custody of her kids to her husband. She also tells the people she is with how the judge has destroyed her life. At this point Abe decides he's going to do something about this woman's problem. His decision rejuvenates him, it transforms him from someone who is aimless and depressed to someone who is full of life and energetic. And he actually does go through with his plan. Of course his actions are irrational, but to him they are rational. But does he think he's pulled off the perfect crime?

There's not much more to the film's plot which is probably why it's only 95 minutes. But Allen does get more from his actors than what the script provides. Phoenix is perfectly cast as the loner professor who struggles with his identity but is lucky enough to have two attractive women vying for his attention. Stone overdoes it a bit as Jill, the student who has a good thing going with Roy but sees something attractive in Abe that we don't see. Stone played a similar role in Allen's last film - 'Magic in the Moonlight' - falling for Colin Firth's much older character. Posey is a delight as Rita, fantasizing about a life with Lucas in Europe. But Allen's script doesn't provide much magic, it's humdrum at the very best in a film that can be categorized as not one of his best. It also won't have much box office appeal here in the UK- in the U.S. the film has made a measly $3.7 million - a far cry from 'Magic in the Moonlight's' total gross of $32 million. At age 79, we're sure there's lots more films in Woody Allen's repertoire to redeem himself from this one.

By Tim Baros… Expand
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5
EpicLadySpongeMay 27, 2016
I think Irrational Man is trying itself too hard to entertain all of us and it's even a bummer knowing that this review came too late than the time it was supposed to come out. Peace, people.
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8
Benkoko11Feb 23, 2017
Woody Allen's knack for tight, thoughtful writing combined with Phoenix and Stone's wonderful on-screen chemistry makes for a delicious little murder mystery.
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5
wevertonaguiiarDec 7, 2019
Falta sutileza para este filme; as "aulas" do Professor Abe dão uma tónica do que está por vir, porém isto é feito de forma curta e muito declarada. A aula de professor renomado parece mais a resenha de um aluno do primeiro ano de filosofia.Falta sutileza para este filme; as "aulas" do Professor Abe dão uma tónica do que está por vir, porém isto é feito de forma curta e muito declarada. A aula de professor renomado parece mais a resenha de um aluno do primeiro ano de filosofia. A conexão - bem pobre - com o livro "Crime e Castigo" já estava bem clara, não havia a menor necessidade de citar o livro durante a história. O roteiro é muito apressado ao tentar passar para o público os sentimentos dos personagens, mas tudo parece artificial e nem um pouco crível. Os atores fazem o possível com um roteiro desleixado..… Expand
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7
qbasekostasApr 14, 2019
Θρίλερ, κωμωδία και ψυχολογικό δράμα, ο καινούργιος Γούντι Άλεν ανακυκλώνει χαριτωμένα, αλλά με ελάχιστη πια πρωτοτυπία, τα ίδια φιλοσοφικά ερωτήματα...Θρίλερ, κωμωδία και ψυχολογικό δράμα, ο καινούργιος Γούντι Άλεν ανακυκλώνει χαριτωμένα, αλλά με ελάχιστη πια πρωτοτυπία, τα ίδια φιλοσοφικά ερωτήματα...
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7
qbaseApr 14, 2019
Θρίλερ, κωμωδία και ψυχολογικό δράμα, ο καινούργιος Γούντι Άλεν ανακυκλώνει χαριτωμένα, αλλά με ελάχιστη πια πρωτοτυπία, τα ίδια φιλοσοφικά ερωτήματα...Θρίλερ, κωμωδία και ψυχολογικό δράμα, ο καινούργιος Γούντι Άλεν ανακυκλώνει χαριτωμένα, αλλά με ελάχιστη πια πρωτοτυπία, τα ίδια φιλοσοφικά ερωτήματα...
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3
Mascalzo8Jan 27, 2020
Blando, sciapo e banale. Trama negativamente semplice e personaggi mal scritti soprattutto nella dimensione delle interazioni tra loro. Eventi spesso casuali che costringono a chiedersi "ma perché è successo?" Con tentativi forzati diBlando, sciapo e banale. Trama negativamente semplice e personaggi mal scritti soprattutto nella dimensione delle interazioni tra loro. Eventi spesso casuali che costringono a chiedersi "ma perché è successo?" Con tentativi forzati di rimanere memorabile nei suoi momenti più intensi ma che risulta solamente un opera con punti dii incoerenza e superficialità.… Expand
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7
NickTheCritickApr 6, 2022
This is a nice little piece of filmaking by Woody Allen starring Emma stone and Joaquin Phoenix who really fits this role. A nice black thrilling comedy.
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