Sony Pictures Classic has released the first Irrational Man trailer for writer/director Woody Allen’s upcoming comedy. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as an alcoholic, melancholy philosophy professor who strikes up a unique friendship with one of his students, played by Emma Stone. On the one hand, this trailer hints at the potentially troubling cliché of “woman gives new purpose to a man’s life.” But on the other hand, there are hints at something more than a simple romantic relationship between Phoenix and Stone, and the inclusion of Parker Posey in the mix is beyond promising.
Allen’s hit or miss, but the cast he’s assembled here is top notch and the trailer gives off a vibe of Phoenix doing something special and strange with the role. My interest is piqued, so I remain cautiously optimistic.
Watch the first Irrational Man trailer below. The film also stars Jamie Blackley and opens in theaters on July 17th.
