Woody Allen Mocks Nouveau Riches with Wit and Acrimony

Woody Allen, representing an image of a timid but intelligent New Yorker, made movies carrying about the same mood. His latest `Small Time Crooks` is all different story, however.

There still abound exaggerations and acrimonious lines, which are unique to Allen, but it is hilarious unlike his previous works characterized by syndicalism. It reminds the audience of his first work back in 1969 `Take with the Money and Run,` rather than recent ones.

Ex-convict Ray Winkler (Woody Allen) and his ex-strip dancer wife Frenchy (Tracy Ulman) manage to lead a happy life despite frequent small arguments. As Frenchy got a cookie store right next to a bank, Ray set up a plot to rob the bank by digging an underground tunnel with his misfit friends. Then suddenly the Winklers become very rich as their cookie store takes off. Frenchy, so eager to join the upper rich class, asks art dealer David (Hugh Grant) for special lectures.

As always, the movie, written and directed by Allen himself, is like a three-act theater play centering on a bank robber, nouveau riches and their struggle to join the rich club.

Allen mocks snobbish desire to become a part of the rich class by contrasting three characters – Frenchy who is so eager to join the rich club, David skillfully taking advantage of her desire and Ray missing his old idle days of being poor.

The happy end comes rather out of sudden, and the conclusion that money and social status cannot buy happiness sounds like a cliché. Watching the movie, however, the audience can see that Allen`s intellectual work makes difference.

Supporting characters also contribute to making a funny story out of ridiculous episodes. Renowned playwright Elain May plays a hilarious role of Tracy`s dumb cousin May. It is also fun to see Hugh Grant being a complete snob. The title means thieves stealing small stuffs. For all ages. Released on January 24.

Hee-Kyung Kim susanna@donga.com