Hubris, I know, but nonetheless hubris. Take a deep breath cos here it comes:
(whispering) I think Broadway Danny Rose is overrated.
Here's the thing. As compassionate a tale as it is, the story of a plucky talent agent who represents dreamers of small talent and flatlining potential; as unexpected as Mia Farrow is in the role of Tina, with her big blonde beehive and bulletproof black sunglasses; Broadway Danny Rose nevertheless remains the story of a likeable loser, and the story is small beer.
This film does carry some charm. There are film fans who adore it. The chase sequence, through a warehouse full of Macy's floats, is much mentioned, as is Farrow's vocal acting, and the framing device of having a bunch of Broadway agents telling Danny's story over dinner. I personally am always touched by Danny's kindness, like a father to his clients, hosting them at Thanksgiving with frozen turkey tv trays. And of course the very unHoudini-like escape from being tied-up, one of the sexiest moments in Allen's film history.
But if all that sounds like there's a lot going on this film, there isn't. The script is at times over-talkative, and only sporadically funny. Broadway Danny Rose may be the first Allen film in which he plays a role for which he is not wholly equipped. Farrow's performance is also, frankly, overrated, not the miracle people imagine. Tina's change of heart is a surprisingly optimistic turn for a Woody film, the kind of thing he normally loathes, so one can only speculate as to why he went with it. Frankly, it's a little hard to believe. But we live in pessimistic times now.
American sandwiches are notorious for being huge and overstuffed. This movie is the equivalent of a thin slice of deli meat with some Sugar Puffs scattered under a slice of rye. Underwhelming, yes, but maybe we don't need things to overwhelm us all the time, especially if we want to care about them. And many fans care a lot about Broadway Danny Rose. But there are plenty of Allen admirers who are left indifferent by this one, a film described as underrated by some but then lauded to the skies in the same moment.
Don't expect too much.
(whispering) I think Broadway Danny Rose is overrated.
Here's the thing. As compassionate a tale as it is, the story of a plucky talent agent who represents dreamers of small talent and flatlining potential; as unexpected as Mia Farrow is in the role of Tina, with her big blonde beehive and bulletproof black sunglasses; Broadway Danny Rose nevertheless remains the story of a likeable loser, and the story is small beer.
This film does carry some charm. There are film fans who adore it. The chase sequence, through a warehouse full of Macy's floats, is much mentioned, as is Farrow's vocal acting, and the framing device of having a bunch of Broadway agents telling Danny's story over dinner. I personally am always touched by Danny's kindness, like a father to his clients, hosting them at Thanksgiving with frozen turkey tv trays. And of course the very unHoudini-like escape from being tied-up, one of the sexiest moments in Allen's film history.
But if all that sounds like there's a lot going on this film, there isn't. The script is at times over-talkative, and only sporadically funny. Broadway Danny Rose may be the first Allen film in which he plays a role for which he is not wholly equipped. Farrow's performance is also, frankly, overrated, not the miracle people imagine. Tina's change of heart is a surprisingly optimistic turn for a Woody film, the kind of thing he normally loathes, so one can only speculate as to why he went with it. Frankly, it's a little hard to believe. But we live in pessimistic times now.
American sandwiches are notorious for being huge and overstuffed. This movie is the equivalent of a thin slice of deli meat with some Sugar Puffs scattered under a slice of rye. Underwhelming, yes, but maybe we don't need things to overwhelm us all the time, especially if we want to care about them. And many fans care a lot about Broadway Danny Rose. But there are plenty of Allen admirers who are left indifferent by this one, a film described as underrated by some but then lauded to the skies in the same moment.
Don't expect too much.