Deconstructing Harry

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Deconstructing Harry ★★½ 1997 (R)

Interesting idea has Allen as a successful author, Harry Block, whose thinly veiled autobiographical fiction spills the beans on his ex-wives, lovers, friends, and family, thereby pissing them all off. Toggles back and forth between Harry's “real” life and scenes from his books, giving characters and situations two versions: one slanted to suit Harry and one more real than Harry wants or knows how to deal with. Infidelity, divorce, and art all get their usual treatment. Another not bad, but not great project by Allen that may be too self-absorbed for most. Features an elaborate, star-studded cast, mostly delegated to minor roles. 96m/C VHS, DVD . Woody Allen, Billy Crystal, Judy Davis, Elisabeth Shue, Kirstie Alley, Caroline Aaron, Bob Balaban, Richard Benjamin, Eric Bogosian, Mariel Hemingway, Amy Irving, Julie Kavner, Eric Lloyd, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tobey Maguire, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Robin Williams, Philip Bosco, Gene Saks, Hazelle Goodman; D: Woody Allen; W: Woody Allen; C: Carlo Di Palma.