When have we seen him represent the 'under class' in a sympathetic manner, as presented here. And it's one of the roles where he's not throwing around elitists ideals and standard issue ticks.
In fact, it approaches the 'loser' as a victor in ways his other films refuses to do. Where his other films usually celebrate fantasy elitism of the loser, this one actually relishes the inherent goodness of a simplistic individual..
It's full of simple humanly feelings without stacking heavy handed meanings (now I like those kind of Allen films too), a refreshing departure. And expertly directed. His best direction of him as an actor.
Bookmarks