Whatever Works (2009) is a witty romantic comedy written and directed by Woody Allen. Known for his sharp dialogue and neurotic humor, Allen crafts a story that blends cynicism, chance, and the unpredictability of love. The film stars Larry David in a role perfectly suited to his sarcastic sensibilities, delivering a philosophical yet comically pessimistic look at life.
Detailed Summary
The Bitter Genius: Boris Yellnikoff
Boris Yellnikoff (Larry David) is a former quantum physicist turned misanthropic recluse. Once a brilliant academic who almost won a Nobel Prize, Boris now lives in New York City, bitterly ranting about the stupidity of mankind. He’s neurotic, hypochondriac, and painfully self-absorbed, constantly addressing the camera (and the audience) directly—breaking the fourth wall in classic Woody Allen fashion.
Boris’s worldview is entirely nihilistic: he believes life is meaningless, people are idiots, and “whatever works” is the best philosophy to survive in an absurd world.
Enter Melody St. Ann Celestine
One night, Boris encounters Melody (Evan Rachel Wood), a young, naive runaway from Mississippi. She’s sweet but comically clueless, representing everything Boris despises about “simple-minded” people. Against all odds, he takes her in out of pity (and perhaps loneliness), beginning an unlikely friendship that slowly turns romantic.
Despite their age gap and opposing worldviews, Melody idolizes Boris’s intelligence and “wisdom,” while Boris—though constantly insulting her—enjoys the attention.
An Unlikely Marriage
In a bizarre turn of events, Boris and Melody get married. Their marriage is strange but functional, in the “whatever works” sense. Boris continues to complain about life, while Melody naively accepts everything he says as profound truth.
Things take a comedic twist when Melody’s conservative Christian mother, Marietta (Patricia Clarkson), arrives in New York looking for her daughter. Horrified to find her daughter married to an older, cynical man, she ends up transforming herself completely—embracing a bohemian lifestyle, photography, and eventually entering a polyamorous relationship with two men.
Shortly after, Melody’s father, John (Ed Begley Jr.), also arrives and undergoes his own transformation, realizing he is gay and starting a relationship with another man. The film uses these arcs to satirize how exposure to urban liberalism “awakens” the repressed desires of middle America.
The Collapse of the Marriage
As time passes, Melody meets a charming young man named Randy (Henry Cavill), who is more her age and worldview. Randy falls in love with her, and Melody begins to question her relationship with Boris. She eventually realizes that her marriage was built on dependency and admiration rather than genuine compatibility.
In true Woody Allen style, the shift happens organically—no melodrama, just the quiet recognition that life moves on. Melody leaves Boris for Randy, finding happiness in a simpler, more genuine connection.
The Movie Ending
After Melody leaves, Boris’s world collapses again. Feeling betrayed and alone, he spirals back into his misanthropic depression. One evening, overwhelmed by his misery, he attempts suicide by jumping out of his apartment window.
However, in an ironic twist, he lands on a woman below—literally falling into her arms. The woman, Helena (Jessica Hecht), is startled but unharmed, and this bizarre encounter leads to an unexpected romantic connection.
By the end, Boris has found someone new, proving his philosophy true: life may be absurd, but happiness can still come from random, chaotic accidents—whatever works.
The final scene has Boris turning to the camera once more, addressing the audience directly. He delivers one of the film’s key messages: life is fleeting and unpredictable, so you should grab any sliver of happiness you find, because there’s no grand design or cosmic meaning.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Whatever Works does not have a post-credits scene. Once the credits roll, the story is complete. Woody Allen rarely uses post-credits scenes in his films, preferring clean, immediate endings that leave the audience reflecting rather than waiting.
Type of Movie
Romantic Comedy / Philosophical Comedy / Character-Driven Drama.
It’s very much a Woody Allen film: verbose, neurotic, full of witty arguments about life, love, and mortality.
Cast
- Larry David as Boris Yellnikoff
- Evan Rachel Wood as Melody St. Ann Celestine
- Patricia Clarkson as Marietta Celestine
- Ed Begley Jr. as John Celestine
- Henry Cavill as Randy James
- Conleth Hill as Leo Brockman
- Jessica Hecht as Helena
Film Music and Composer
The soundtrack consists mostly of jazz standards and swing-era pieces, true to Woody Allen’s signature style. The main theme, “Whatever Works” by Dick Hyman, and other tracks feature light, upbeat jazz that contrasts humorously with Boris’s bleak worldview. There is no traditional composer; Allen curated the music personally from existing recordings.
Filming Locations
Shot entirely in New York City, particularly in Manhattan. The city is not just a backdrop but a central character—a place where cultures collide, people reinvent themselves, and serendipity thrives. Woody Allen’s version of New York is once again the stage for existential comedy and chaotic romance.
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for several minor awards, particularly in independent film circuits.
- Evan Rachel Wood received critical praise and nominations for her comedic performance.
- While not a major awards contender, it was appreciated by critics for its humor and Larry David’s distinctive delivery.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The script was originally written by Woody Allen in the 1970s for actor Zero Mostel, but shelved after Mostel’s death. Decades later, Allen reworked it for Larry David, whose personality matched the character perfectly.
- Larry David improvised several lines, especially Boris’s sarcastic rants.
- Filming took place during one of New York’s hottest summers, leading to several on-set challenges.
- Patricia Clarkson has said that her “liberation” storyline was her favorite role in any Allen movie.
Inspirations and References
- The film draws from Woody Allen’s earlier works, particularly Annie Hall and Crimes and Misdemeanors, blending existential musings with romantic farce.
- Boris’s character is partially inspired by philosophers like Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, filtered through Allen’s trademark comedic lens.
- The title phrase “Whatever Works” captures the film’s central existential idea: happiness is accidental, not earned.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no widely known alternate endings, but early drafts of the 1970s script reportedly had a darker ending—Boris dying from his suicide attempt instead of surviving it. Allen later softened the tone, adding the more optimistic “accidental love” ending for the 2009 version.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Boris ranting directly to the audience in the opening scene.
- Melody’s innocent attempt to impress Boris with her “deep thoughts.”
- Marietta’s transformation from conservative Southern mom to avant-garde photographer.
- Boris’s accidental fall and his hilarious landing into Helena’s arms.
Iconic Quotes
- “Whatever love you can get and give, whatever happiness you can provide or secure, every temporary measure of grace—whatever works.”
- “If it’s not one thing, it’s another. You realize that? I mean, you’re never safe. The universe is a brutal place.”
- “I was born a man of excessive perception and minimal optimism.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Boris’s apartment decor subtly mirrors his mental state—cluttered, outdated, and full of half-finished ideas.
- The film references Annie Hall in tone and structure, particularly the direct-to-camera narration.
- A small poster of a chess match is seen in Boris’s apartment—an homage to Allen’s love of chess and metaphor for life’s unpredictability.
Trivia
- The film was Woody Allen’s first to star Larry David, whose Curb Your Enthusiasm persona heavily influenced his performance.
- It was one of Allen’s few films set entirely in the modern era, breaking from his usual period-piece aesthetic.
- Despite mixed reviews in the U.S., the film was better received in Europe.
Why Watch?
Watch Whatever Works for its razor-sharp dialogue, dark humor, and philosophical take on life’s absurdities. It’s a film about finding joy in imperfection, love in chaos, and meaning in meaninglessness. Fans of Larry David or Woody Allen’s neurotic humor will find plenty to enjoy.
Director’s Other Movies
- Annie Hall (1977)
- Manhattan (1979)
- Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)
- Match Point (2005)
- Midnight in Paris (2011)
- Blue Jasmine (2013)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Annie Hall (1977)
- Deconstructing Harry (1997)
- Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993)
- The Squid and the Whale (2005)
- Her (2013)
