Whatever Works (2009)
Comedy, Romance |
Whatever Works is a American comedy film directed and written by Woody Allen. It was released on June 19, 2009, received mixed reviews and grossed $35 million.
Boris Yelnikoff is a cynical chess teacher and former Columbia professor in quantum mechanics. Divorced, he avoids human contact except for his three friends and students, patronizing everyone he meets for not matching him intellectually. He spends much of the film washing his hands, all the while singing the “Happy Birthday” song—an attempt to gauge the proper length of time for the process.
Boris comes home one night to find Melody, a simpleminded 21-year-old, lying on his doorstep. He reluctantly lets her in for a meal and soon she tells him her story. She turns out to be of a distinctly Southern background, having been born to fundamentalist parents in Mississippi and ran away from them. She asks if she can stay the night, which Boris eventually allows, and she stays with him while she looks for a job. Melody develops a crush on Boris despite their age difference and their varying cultures and intelligence.
Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen
Stars: Evan Rachel Wood, Larry David, Henry Cavill, Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr., Henry Cavill, Michael McKean
►Cast:
| Larry David | … | Boris |
| Adam Brooks | … | Boris’ Friend |
| Lyle Kanouse | … | Boris’ Friend |
| Michael McKean | … | Boris’ Friend |
| Clifford Lee Dickson | … | Boy on Street |
| Yolonda Ross | … | Boy’s Mother |
| Carolyn McCormick | … | Jessica |
| Samantha Bee | … | Chess Mother |
| Evan Rachel Wood | … | Melody Celestine |
| Conleth Hill | … | Brockman |
| Marcia DeBonis | … | Lady at Chinese Restaurant |
| John Gallagher Jr. | … | Perry |
| Willa Cuthrell | … | Chess Girl |
| Nicole Patrick | … | Perry’s Friend |
| Patricia Clarkson | … | Marietta |
| Henry Cavill | … | Randy |
| Olek Krupa | … | Morgenstern |
| Ed Begley Jr. | … | John |
| Christopher Evan Welch | … | Howard |
| Jessica Hecht | … | Helena |
| Lindsay Michelle Nader | … | Television Voice (voice) |
| Armand Schultz | … | Television Voice (voice) |
| Steve Antonucci | … | Flea Market Shopper |
| Marc Alan Austen | … | Photo Gallery Patron |
| Julie Basem | … | Cafe Waitress |
| Dan Burkarth | … | Flea Market Shopper |
| Kenneth Edelson | … | Gallery Guest |
| Christian Neil | … | Restaurant Patron |
| Gabriel Nussbaum | … | Concert Goer |
| Chris Nuñez | … | Concert Goer |
| Celeste Octavia | … | Gallery Special Guest |
| Amanda Rea | … | Club Girl |
| Quincy Rose | … | Guy on Bench |
Sources: imdb & wikipedia