Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet running at high speed in search of the most beloved by the director (NYC)

In Italian cinemas from 28 November, A Day of Rain in New York is the latest feature film directed by Woody Allen.

The story staged, therefore, is that of the young Gatsby (Timothée Chalamet), a university student who, taking the opportunity to accompany his girlfriend in New York Ashleigh (Elle Fanning) – which must carry out an interview with an important director – arranges her a romantic weekend. The things, however, They do not go as hoped and the two find themselves living numerous adventures, each on their own, without ever being able to find a moment to be together.

Of elements in A Rain Day in New York make us think of Woody Allen, there is no doubt many. in primis, the City of New York, always true muse of film director. Even on this occasion, therefore, the same is almost treated as a real character, as a silent spectator of the bizarre events of the young sweethearts couple.

Secondly, not without a fine background music in jazz salsa, also true trademark of all the films of Woody Allen. And then, not least, the manicured signed photo that Vittorio Storaro, in recent years we see a Woody Allen a bit 'subdued, It reveals itself as one of the elements of greatest appeal of all this second part of his career.

For the rest, A Day in New York Rain sees - as often happens - a young protagonist as a perfect incarnation of the director himself. A real involuntary hero in constant search of himself and his place in the world. E, in the present case, He answers to the name of Gatsby. This relentless pursuit of himself sees numerous reflections on feelings, the future and, not least, on the past and on their families. So far, so good.

The main problem, however, It is that such reflections remain superficial trivially, with many items brought in and then never be taken more (see, over all, the marriage crisis of the protagonist's brother) and an ending that seems more than ever forced, incredibly hasty. At the point of ensuring that even particularly poetic and evocative atmospheres have the desired effect on the audience. And all this just because of a writing that seems to have been carried out almost on autopilot, not then reflect on the various gaps and deficiencies.

Although, therefore, this second part of Allen's career appears to us much more "soft", less scratchy and memorable, inside some good product have it all right. Just think even the recent The Wheel of Wonder (2017). and yet, this last A Rain Day in New York, while giving the viewer beautiful atmospheres and a few smiles from time to time, almost it tends to disappear in the vast production alleniana.

marina fears