WHATEVER WORKS

Year: 2009
USA: Sony Pictures Classics
Cast: Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr, Conleth Hill, Michael McKean, Henry Cavill, John Gallagher Jr, Jessica Hecht, Carolyn McCormick, Christopher Evan Welch
Director: Woody Allen
Countries: USA / France
USA: 92 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 for sexual situations including dialogue, brief nude images and thematic material
USA Release Date: 19 June 2009 (Limited Release - New York and Los Angeles)


Synopsis

Woody Allen returns to New York with an offbeat comedy about a crotchety misanthrope Boris Yellnikoff (Larry David) and a naïve, impressionable young runaway from Mississippi, Melody St Ann Celestine (Evan Rachel Wood).
About to enter his apartment one night, Boris is approached by a young runaway, Melody, who pleads to be let into his apartment. Seeing that she is hungry and cold, he reluctantly agrees and he allows her to stay for a "few nights." But as time passes, Melody makes herself at home and as time passes develops a crush on him.

Boris and Melody get married and start a life that is surprisingly satisfying for both of them. He recognizes the value her cheerfulness, and she is proud to be married to a genius. But after a year, their happiness is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Melody's strait-laced mother, Marietta (Patricia Clarkson). Marietta has come to New York to find Melody and get away from her husband, who cheated on her with her best friend.

Not long afterwards her father, John (Ed Begley, Jr.), unexpected arrives and is determined to bring his daughter and wife home. However, her uptight parents are quickly drawn into wildly unexpected romantic entanglements. Everyone discovers that finding love is just a combination of lucky chance and appreciating the value of WHATEVER WORKS.