“Irrational Man” is a 2015 crime mystery drama directed and written by Woody Allen. It features Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Parker Posey, and Jamie Blackley in the lead roles. The film was released by Sony Pictures Classics in a limited release on July 17, 2015, and was later released in more theatres.
The movie follows the story of the protagonist, Professor Abe Lucas. Despite his inner turmoil, he caught the eye of two people – chemistry professor Rita Richards and student Jill Pollard. While Abe tried to maintain a platonic relationship with Jill, he couldn’t deny his physical attraction to Rita.
However, his depression reared its ugly head when he could not perform sexually with Rita. Desperate for a solution. Abe overheard a conversation about an unethical judge and saw it as an opportunity to give his life purpose.
He chose to murder the judge, which lifted his depression and allowed him to have a fulfilling sexual relationship with Rita. But little did Abe know both Jill and Rita began to suspect his involvement in the murder when Jill confronted him.
It leads to the end of their relationship. In desperation, Abe attempts to murder Jill but ultimately dies in an elevator shaft. Jill is left reflecting on her experiences with Abe and eventually reunites with her ex-boyfriend.
Irrational Man, all the filming locations
1. Rohde Island, USA
The entire movie was shot in various places in Rhode Island, and Woody Allen wants to shoot the irrational man outside New York. He wants someplace who have serval universities and incredible natural beauty. After discovering much, Allen finally found this island, and he was amazed by the scenic beauty of this island. He got everything on the island that he wanted for his movie.
2. Salve Regina University, Rhode Island, USA
Salve Regina University is the most fantastic location in the entire movie. The university is named Braylon College, which is fictional. Many scenes were shot across the university, like when we saw Abe for the first time in the movie & then when Abe met with Rita and Jill outside the campus.
3. Newport, Rhode Island, USA
Newport has also been used widely in movies to shoot various scenes. Locations like Jill and Abe’s house are situated in Newport. Also, the couple of scenes between Abe and Jill were shot together when they entered a relationship.
4. Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA
It is where the makers shot Abe and Jill’s romantic walk on Portsmouth’s famous bank road. Multiple scenes, including the library and the beach walk of Abe and Jill together filmed here.
5. Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
When Abe killed judge Spangler by adding poison to his drink, this scene was filmed in Cranston library, including the faculty meeting point.
6. Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA
Classic café of Jamestown is where Jill and Abe hear the story of Carol, which changes the whole mood of the storyline. And another couple of small scenes were filmed here.
7. Hope Lippitt Park, Rhode Island, USA
It is the park where justice Spangler likes to jog daily early in the morning. The park’s scenic beauty was covered very well by the cinematographer.
8. Federal Building, Rhode Island, USA
Federal building is the place where justice Spangler works. The entire courtroom drama and some other parts of the film were shot here.
9. Beavertail National Park, Rhode Island, USA
All the walking we see by Abe and Jill together was shoot here. Also, the last part of the movie was filmed in Beavertail national park.
10. Richmond, Rhode Island, USA
When Jill started telling the back story to Abe, Allen had shot every scene we saw in his back story here in Richmond.
Is Irrational Man Worth Watching?
The movie has got a 6.6 IMDB rating from critics and viewers. Also, the movie has been in the ‘R’ category. Irrational Man received a range of praise for the movie, while some people criticized the film. According to Rotten Tomatoes, a website that collects and displays reviews from critics, the movie has a 46% approval rating based on 206 reviews. The average rating given by critics was 5.56 out of 10. If you are looking for one time watchable and a good time Pass movie, then irrational man could be your option.
