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Irrational Man

Play trailer Poster for Irrational Man R Released Jul 17, 2015 1h 34m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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47% Tomatometer 204 Reviews 46% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
A tormented philosophy professor (Joaquin Phoenix) considers murdering a corrupt judge to find meaning in his life.
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Irrational Man

Irrational Man

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Critics Consensus

Irrational Man may prove rewarding for the most ardent Joaquin Phoenix fans or Woody Allen apologists, but all others most likely need not apply.

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Critics Reviews

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Jason Bailey Flavorwire It's a picture so dire, its problems so base and elementary, that I'm honestly not sure Allen still has good ones in him. May 27, 2016 Full Review Sophie Gilbert The Atlantic Irrational Man is turgid to the point of ridiculousness and absurdly anachronistic ... Dec 31, 2015 Full Review Mark Kermode Observer (UK) This is terribly pedestrian. Rated: 2/5 Sep 13, 2015 Full Review Emiliano Basile EscribiendoCine While the theme is treated in a more superficial way than in Match Point (2005) it is no less profound. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 7/10 Apr 8, 2024 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies “Irrational Man” comes across as paper-thin. Rated: 2/5 Aug 22, 2022 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Woody Allen’s frequent, career-long discussions about the dance between the chaotic and designed structures of existence have an intentionally collegiate stage in Irrational Man. Rated: 4/4 May 29, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Richard H Another stupidly unrealistic movie about a college professor. That he's supposed to be a philosopher adds insult to injury... he's just an out-and-out wanker. In Woody's Allen's world that makes him the most desirable of creatures to smart, beautiful women. Uh-huh... sure, that scans. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 11/22/24 Full Review Juan R I am not a fan of Woody Allen, but I found this movie more than acceptable. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/25/24 Full Review Natty D Woody Allen’s Irrational Man is a film that attempts to explore the complexities of philosophical thought. This makes the movie a compelling, yet frustrating watch for those interested in existential philosophy. The complexities of human behavior and moral philosophy are themes explored within the movie. Abe Lucas attempts to spark his own meaning in life. His actions are driven by finding meaning in life, which causes him to commit an immoral act. The film explores the rationalization used by Abe in order to justify his own actions. His thought for his sense of purpose is subjective and within his own personal moral code. Irrational Man delves into the desire made by humans in order to find meaning in life. This can even cause an individual to make decisions that could be seen as immoral. Abe has his own moral code, which causes him to see his own actions as right instead of wrong. He takes matters into his own hands as an attempt to bring justice to the world in a small way. Abe’s choices are a reflection on the existential belief that an individual is free to determine what their values are and to make decisions that reflect their morals. Abe’s transformation in Irrational Man delves into the theme of existential philosophy. His transformation was driven by his newfound purpose. This was used to highlight the absurdity and complexity of human behavior. The film attempts to create a thought-provoking storyline, but instead falls short and ultimately causes frustration. Abe’s character is meant to represent despair. His character is consumed by the pointlessness of life and ultimately loses his own will to live. The movie did not do a great job of portraying that character in this way and causes the execution to be problematic. Abe’s transformation into someone who finds meaning in life lacks the depth needed in order to make his journey feel believable. Abe’s ultimate plan and decision was intended to serve as a statement on an individual's moral relativism as well as existential freedom. However, the movie did not portray this statement the way it intended to. Abe does what seems to be a quick leap from his despair into newfound purpose. The movie did not develop this change in an adequate way. The newfound purpose felt to be a quick decision rather than a natural progression. The movie was set up in order to provoke thought on individual justice and moral code, but failed to design it correctly. Irrational Man instead caused a sense of shock rather than stimulating thought. Irrational Man directed by Woody Allen was meant to examine existential questions. Through Abe Lucas, Woody Allen attempted to show the complexities of moral decision-making. The narrative was meant to challenge viewers to think about the impact of an individual's actions as well as exploring the search for meaning. The movie explored themes in order to study the relationship between philosophy and real-life behavior. Irrational Man fails to deliver the message that was intended. The film's attempt of delivering a compelling narrative and philosophical thought fell short. This ultimately caused an underwhelming and frustrating viewing experience, which diminished the impact that the film could have provoked. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/14/24 Full Review A Nony M I enjoy the lighthearted champagne problems run of the film and its setting in Newport, Rhode Island. The city is really a character itself. It’s a very slow film and the plot goes nowhere except for the last 15min it takes a turn and that was an effin great ending. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/01/24 Full Review Pop C A boring and unconvincing movie that goes nowhere, everything seems forced and the superficial complexity of Abe is totally .. off Rated 2 out of 5 stars 04/05/24 Full Review Esteban S Irrational Man starts with a formulaic plot. It fools you into believing that it is going to be a predictable, commonplace movie. And right after you lower your guard, it turns your perceptions upside down. A plan, which makes sense in Joaquin Phoenix's world of Philosophy, collides all-steam against moral. But don't unfasten your seatbelt. Everything seems to come to an end for him because of Emma Stone's unplanned game of connecting dots. It is then when the plot makes an obscure twist that leaves you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath for a couple of minutes. Few times can we say "expect the unexpected and don't rely on assumptions" when it comes to movies. Irrational Man is one of them and delivers greatly. Key question here is; what makes you feel alive? And motivated? Emma Stone's performance is one of her best. I'd say you should give this movie a try! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/03/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis A tormented philosophy professor (Joaquin Phoenix) considers murdering a corrupt judge to find meaning in his life.
Director
Woody Allen
Producer
Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum, Edward Walson
Screenwriter
Woody Allen
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Gravier Productions
Rating
R (Some Language|Sexual Content)
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 17, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.0M
Runtime
1h 34m
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