Café Society – Film Review by Emily Elphinstone

Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Steve Carell

In recent years, Woody Allen’s films have been approached with a sense of apprehension; just as likely to be a disappointment, as a hit. But much like 2011’s Midnight in Paris, Café Society might just be a bit of both.

Celebrating the contrasting worlds of Los Angeles and New York in the 1930s, the film follows the meek Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg, in the classic Woody Allen awkward New Yorker role), as he moves to Hollywood to work for his high-powered movie agent uncle Phil Stern (a brilliant Steve Carrell).

Too busy to spend time with his nephew, Phil asks secretary Vonnie (Kristen Stewart) to show the new arrival around town; and despite talk of an absent boyfriend, romance blossoms between Bobby and Vonnie. But the course of young love never did run smooth, as it becomes clear who Vonnie’s boyfriend really is.

With sumptuous styling, all-star cast, and a classic movie plotline; Café Society should have it all. But sadly there is a lingering sense that the audience are being told the story from a distance rather being allowed to experience it. Many characters, including Bobby’s gangster brother Ben (Corey Stoll) never have the opportunity to become anything more than simple stereotypes; and when the action moves to New York, the narration tells us about Bobby’s transformation into debonair nightclub owner, but there are few signs of this other than a flashy costume change.

The real star of the film is Vittorio Storaro’s evocative cinematography, which along with the production design and costume, masterfully creates the 1930s setting so richly that each frame could be a work of art. This ‘Old Hollywood’ feel is emphasised by the jazz score and narration (much of which is done by Woody Allen himself); but the film’s style is created so meticulously that it sadly overpowers any attempt at emotional engagement. Though Café Society certainly has its moments, there is the inescapable sense this might be merely an extended trailer for the film it could be.