Question 1

Why did Woody Allen cast Larry David in Whatever Works?

Accepted Answer

Woody Allen claims he cast Larry David because David is one of the few comedians that makes him laugh.

Question 2

What connection does Whatever Works have to Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire?

Accepted Answer

Like Allen's later film Blue Jasmine, this film takes cues from A Streetcar Named Desire, with Marietta echoing Blanche DuBois and using at least one direct homage line.

Question 3

Who was the role of Boris originally written for, and what connects that actor to Larry David?

Accepted Answer

Boris was originally written for Zero Mostel. Both Mostel and Larry David played Max Bialistock: Mostel in The Producers (1967) and David in Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Question 4

Which festivals was Whatever Works selected for?

Accepted Answer

The film was selected for the San Sebastián International Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival, both in 2009.

Question 5

What was Woody Allen's original concept when he started writing Whatever Works in the 1970s?

Accepted Answer

His main idea was to tell how a family of intolerant rednecks changed completely for different reasons after a while in New York.

Question 6

Why did Woody Allen cast Larry David in Whatever Works?

Accepted Answer

Woody Allen claims he cast Larry David because David is one of the few comedians that makes him laugh.

Question 7

What connection does Whatever Works have to Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire?

Accepted Answer

Like Allen's later film Blue Jasmine, it takes cues from A Streetcar Named Desire. Marietta echoes Blanche DuBois, horrified at the apartment and coy about drinking, with at least one direct homage line.

Question 8

Who was the role of Boris originally written for, and what delayed the film?

Accepted Answer

Boris was originally written for Zero Mostel in the 1970s. After Mostel's 1977 death, Allen set it aside until a potential 2008-9 actors' strike prompted him to use this old screenplay.

Question 9

Which festivals was Whatever Works featured in?

Accepted Answer

It was featured at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival, both in 2009.

Question 10

What is the central relationship in Whatever Works?

Accepted Answer

The film explores the relationship between crotchety misanthrope Boris and naïve young runaway Melody from the South, whose parents arrive in New York and get drawn into unexpected romantic entanglements.

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Whatever Works

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