Another twisted tale from Allen's (ir)rational world

A WOODY Allen movie can usually be counted on to yield insights on a range of topics - mundane and otherwise - occupying the mind of one of the great writers in contemporary cinema. Witty, dialogue-driven scripts have been the (Annie) Hallmarks of many an Allen film; despite a drop-off in recent years he remains a master of his milieu, capable of hitting the high notes in films like Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), Midnight in Paris (2011) and Blue Jasmine (2013).

His latest offering Irrational Man isn't in the same league, but it does conjure up some thought-provoking moments involving a favourite subject: the meaning of life.

Allen remains committed to making movies about troubled types with self-worth issues - an indication of his personal neuroses no doubt - but his films typically contain an interesting twist or two.