Whatever Works Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy old genius marries a Southern runaway and then her parents show up and everyone starts sleeping with different people, but it’s okay because quantum mechanics!

🍿 Whatever Works: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Boris

Boris Yellnikoff, a former quantum mechanics professor with a bleak outlook on life, lives in New York City, where he teaches chess to children. He frequently breaks the fourth wall to share his pessimistic views on society, relationships, and the meaninglessness of existence. After a failed suicide attempt leaves him with a limp, Boris lives a solitary life until an unexpected encounter changes his routine.

Melodie’s Arrival

Melodie St. Ann Celestine, a naive and impressionable runaway from Mississippi, finds herself lost and hungry in New York. She stumbles upon Boris’s apartment, and he reluctantly takes her in. Melodie’s innocence and lack of worldly knowledge clash with Boris’s cynical worldview, leading to humorous and thought-provoking interactions. Boris begins to shape Melodie’s views, molding her to his own.

An Unlikely Romance

Despite their age difference and contrasting personalities, Boris and Melodie develop an unlikely bond. Boris, embracing his motto that “whatever works” is acceptable, decides to marry Melodie. Their unconventional relationship becomes a subject of fascination and bemusement for their friends and acquaintances, highlighting the absurdity and unpredictability of love and happiness.

Melodie’s Parents’ Intervention

Melodie’s conservative parents, Marietta and John, eventually track her down to New York City. Their arrival disrupts Boris and Melodie’s life, as Marietta and John struggle to understand their daughter’s choices. However, the vibrant and liberal atmosphere of New York City begins to influence Marietta and John, leading to unexpected transformations in their own lives.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Boris (Larry David): A misanthropic, intellectual New Yorker who unexpectedly forms a relationship with a much younger woman and shares his cynical worldview.
• Melody Celestine (Evan Rachel Wood): A naive and impressionable young woman from the South who runs away to New York and becomes involved with Boris.
• Marietta (Patricia Clarkson): Melody’s conservative mother who undergoes a significant transformation after arriving in New York.
• Randy (Henry Cavill): A British actor who becomes involved in a romantic subplot with Melody.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Boris Yellnikoff: “That’s why I can’t say enough times, whatever love you can get and give, whatever happiness you can filch or provide, every temporary measure of grace, whatever works.” – Boris explains his philosophy on life and relationships, advocating for embracing any source of happiness one can find.
• Boris Yellnikoff: “The only way I can explain my behavior is that I’m very shallow.” – Boris is talking to the audience about his own flaws and contradictions.
• Boris Yellnikoff: “I’m not a likable guy.” – Boris states this to the audience, acknowledging his misanthropic nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,306,706
• Worldwide Gross: $36,020,534

💥 Whatever Works Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Whatever Works’! Larry David was perfectly cast as the grumpy Boris, and the whole fish-out-of-water story with Evan Rachel Wood was hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud during the scenes with Patricia Clarkson as the mom. The movie made me feel like I was back in New York City, even though I’ve never been there. It’s not a perfect movie, but it’s definitely a fun watch if you like Woody Allen’s style.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen’s films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy unconventional romantic comedies”
  • “People interested in stories about self-discovery and personal transformation”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Language”
  • “Age gap relationship”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Larry David embodies Woody Allen’s neurotic character in this return to New York. While the plot is thin, the humor is sharp, and the performances, especially from Evan Rachel Wood and Patricia Clarkson, are a delight. It’s classic Woody, with his blend of cynicism and quirky romance.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “While ‘Whatever Works’ boasts moments of Woody Allen’s signature wit, its reliance on tired stereotypes and a predictable plot ultimately undermines its charm. Larry David’s performance is polarizing, making it a hit or miss experience.

Audience Reactions

Larry David’s performance as the curmudgeonly Boris was hilarious and relatable.: Viewers praised the film’s witty dialogue and quirky humor.

Patricia Clarkson’s transformation as the mother was a standout performance.: The movie was seen as a return to Woody Allen’s classic style.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing film; loved by Woody Allen fans for its witty dialogue and neurotic humor, but criticized for its reliance on stereotypes and a predictable plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This script was originally written by Woody Allen in the 1970s for Zero Mostel, but the project was shelved after Mostel’s death. Allen revisited the script and updated it for modern times.”
• “Larry David’s performance is often seen as a direct stand-in for Woody Allen himself, embracing the director’s neurotic and intellectual persona.”
• “The film marks Woody Allen’s return to New York City after filming several movies in Europe.”

🖥️ How to Watch Whatever Works?

As of October 2024, “Whatever Works” is available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Whatever Works, you might like these similar films:

• Annie Hall (1977): Shares Woody Allen’s signature style, neurotic characters, and exploration of relationships in New York City.
• Manhattan (1979): Another Woody Allen film set in New York, exploring themes of love, relationships, and intellectualism.
• Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-2024): Features Larry David’s comedic style and cynical worldview, similar to his character in ‘Whatever Works’.

🛒 Whatever Works Related Products

• Woody Allen: A Documentary: Explore Woody Allen’s life and career through this in-depth documentary, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, providing insights into his creative process.
• Woody Allen Film Collection: A curated collection of Woody Allen’s best films, including ‘Annie Hall,’ ‘Manhattan,’ and ‘Midnight in Paris,’ allowing fans to revisit his iconic works.
• Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Series: Relive the hilarious awkwardness of Larry David in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, showcasing his unique brand of comedy and improv skills.
• Classic Chess Set: A high-quality wooden chess set, perfect for enthusiasts inspired by the chess scenes in the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Whatever Works features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hello I Must Be Going” – performed by Groucho Marx
• “If I Could Be With You” – performed by Bobby Hackett & Jackie Gleason’s Orchestra

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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