Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Joaquin Phoenix | ... | Abe Lucas | |
Emma Stone | ... | Jill Pollard | |
Joe Stapleton | ... | Professor | |
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Nancy Carroll | ... | Professor |
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Allison Gallerani | ... | Braylin Student |
Brigette Lundy-Paine | ... | Braylin Student | |
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Katelyn Semer | ... | Braylin Student |
Betsy Aidem | ... | Jill's Mother | |
Ethan Phillips | ... | Jill's Father | |
Jamie Blackley | ... | Roy | |
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Leah Anderson | ... | Student Giving Directions |
Paula Plum | ... | College President | |
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Nancy Giles | ... | President's Assistant |
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Henry Stram | ... | Cocktail Party Guest |
Geoff Schuppert | ... | Cocktail Party Guest |
A new philosophy professor arrives on a small town campus near Newport, Rhode Island. His name, Abe Lucas. His reputation : bad. Abe is said to be a womanizer and an alcoholic. But what people do not know is that he is a disillusioned idealist. Since he has become aware of his inability to change the world, he has indeed been living in a state of deep nihilism and arrogant desperation. In class, he only goes through the motions and outside he drinks too much. But as far as sex is concerned, he is just a shadow of himself now: depression is not synonymous with Viagra! For all that, he can't help being attracted to one of his students, pretty and bright Jill Pollard. He enters into a relationship with her which remains platonic, even if Jill would not say no to more. The situation remains unchanged for a while until, one day, in a diner, Abe and Jill surprise a conversation that will change the course of their lives dramatically... Written by Guy Bellinger
Another tick in the box for a Woody Allen film you can like. Not quite a classic but it has its moments and the leads are as good as the are in anything else. In terms of being a comedy, this is not going to make you laugh out loud - its more of a Woody Allen knowing smirk that stays with you throughout. Naturally it is smart, neurotic and melancholy. It plays like Crimes and Misdemeanours lite. So if you liked that one (and why wouldn't you? That one is a classic) then definitely give this a go. Perhaps most interesting as part of the journey leading Emma Stone from Superbad and The House Bunny less than ten years ago to Oscar glory in 2017.