Friday 16 October 2015

Cassandra's Dream (2007)

Two brothers with serious financial problems get a chance to wipe the slate clean and fulfil their dreams when their wealthy uncle asks them to do him a favour.

Woody Allen's light hearted take on the atrocious act of murder. Excellent Ewan McGregor's Ian gets slightly out shone by Colin Farrell's gambling alcoholic Terry here as the brothers' relationship is tested. Their girlfriends played by Hayley Atwell and Sally Hawkins are notable and the supporting cast are strong including John Benfield, Philip Davis and Tom Wilkinson to name a few.

As the Greek-like tragedy morality play gradually builds the characters and meanders through Allen's basic effective plot. It's an enjoyable slow paced affair that hooks you from the first scene. Its naturalistic setting also gives it an unnerving off beat feeling echoing the likes of The Good Thief (2002) or The Linguini Incident (1991). It also has a vibe reminiscent of countless UK unconventional talky drama films of the 1980s. Yet, with no lead American actors London set Cassandra's Dream doesn't feel like a film synonymous with Allen.

It's no Talented Mr Ripley (1999) but it's strength is the simplistic plot that comes full circle on an everyday back drop, its certainly worth viewing especially for McGregor's and Farrell's even-tempered performances.

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