Released at the time when Woody Allen’s personal life was
getting much more attention than his actual work Deconstructing Harry is an
unusually abrasive, dark hearted and self-critical entry into his cannon.
However it is also very funny in places mixing more serious themes with
wonderful sketches that hark back to his early slapstick days.
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In it Allen plays Harry, a successful bit unfulfilled writer
who is struggling with writers block. Acclaimed by those who know his work he
nonetheless has made a mess of his personal life. What separates Harry from
many other Allen protagonists of a similar ilk (seeking therapy, neurotic) is
the sense of self-loathing that permeates his behaviour. Harry is not such a
nice guy underneath it all, the film often involves his re-telling stories from
his life, or his written works which is where the sketch-type format fits in.
These are frequently very funny and creative, a sequence with Robin Williams as
an out-of-focus actor is especially memorable, and the way these scenes are
woven into the overarching narrative is very satisfying. What is surprising
about the film is its unapologetic nature, it seems a very direct response to
the criticisms Allen was getting at the time and its somewhat belligerent tone
can be off-putting, especially as it is uncommon in the rest of his work.
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As usual Allen is aided by a strong supporting cast from
Kirsty Allen, Elizabeth Shue to Billy Crystal (another memorable cameo). He also mixes things
up in terms of his usual editing and filmic rhythms, here the film jumps
around, utilising cuts mid-scene to give a sense of disorientation, echoing
Harry’s mental state. As the film progresses he embarks upon a highly unusual
(and unsuccessful) road trip across the country as he looks to attend an honour
ceremony in his name as his old College, the nature of which gives Allen ample
reason to dip into Harry’s past as he reminisces on all he has achieved.
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Hidden deep within the typically smart and funny dialogue
are deeper themes as well, about those who struggle to function outside of
their work, and who find to deal with a world which they did not create, and
are not in charge of. Allen may be unapologetic in the film but he doesn’t
strain for pity or sympathy either, if we are to read Harry as a somewhat
exaggerated version of Woody himself then he is merely offering himself up, as
if to say ‘this is who I am’, in a way only he can. Deconstructing Harry is a
complex film for all these reasons and more, but if you can get past its distasteful
streak it is a compelling, and fascinating character study as well as a
reminder of how biting and funny Allen can still be when he puts his mind to
it.
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