Whatever Works explores the relationship between a crotchety misanthrope, Boris and a naïve, impressionable young runaway from the south, Melody. When Melody's uptight parents arrive in New York to rescue her, they are quickly drawn into wildly unexpected romantic entanglements. Everyone discovers that finding love is just a combination of lucky chance and appreciating the value of "whatever works."
Acting
Larry David's gloriously unhinged Boris—essentially himself with a PhD.
Writing
Allen recycled his 1970s script; the anachronistic dialogue becomes accidental comedy.
Director
Woody Allen
Larry David
Boris Yellnikoff
Evan Rachel Wood
Melodie St. Ann Celestine
Michael McKean
Joe - Boris' Friend #3
Conleth Hill
Leo Brockman
Patricia Clarkson
Marietta
Ed Begley Jr.
John
Carolyn McCormick
Jessica
Henry Cavill
Randy James
John Gallagher Jr.
Perry
Christopher Evan Welch
Howard
Adam Brooks
Boris' Friend #1
Lyle Kanouse
Boris' Friend #2
Yolonda Ross
Boy's Mother
Samantha Bee
Chess Mother
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Woody Allen wrote this in the 1970s for Zero Mostel, who died before filming. The script sat in a drawer for decades.
The May-December romance sparked debate about Allen's own relationship patterns, making the film uncomfortably autobiographical.
US
