Deconstructing Harry is a 1997 film written and directed by Woody Allen, who also stars in the lead role. The film is a dark comedy that explores complex human relationships and the challenges of writing. 

Plot

The film follows the story of Harry Block (played by Woody Allen), a successful but troubled writer known for his semi-autobiographical novels that explore his personal relationships and life experiences. Harry has a reputation for being a womanizer and for having disrupted the lives of the people he has portrayed in his books.

The plot begins when Harry is invited to a ceremony at his alma mater, Bard University, where he will receive an award. As he prepares for the trip, his life begins to unravel in a series of flashbacks and fragments of his history, revealing his conflicted relationships with ex-wives, lovers, family members, and friends.

The film explores the complex dynamics of human relationships, alienation, and the search for meaning in life. Through fragmented editing and intersecting narratives, the film offers a chaotic and often comedic glimpse into Harry Block's mind.

"Deconstructing Harry" is known for its unconventional style and candid portrayal of characters and their imperfections. Woody Allen delivers a memorable performance in the lead role.

Complete Cast:

• Woody Allen as Harry Block
• Richard Benjamin as Ken
• Kirstie Alley as Joan
• Billy Crystal as Larry/The Devil
• Judy Davis as Lucy
• Bob Balaban as Richard
• Elisabeth Shue as Fay
• Demi Moore as Helen
• Robin Williams as Mel
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Leslie
• Stanley Tucci as Paul
• Tobey Maguire as Harvey Stern/Harry's Character

Director: Woody Allen

Producer: Jean Doumanian

Writer: Woody Allen

Music: No original score; the film uses pre-existing classical music.

Cinematographer: Carlo Di Palma

Production Cost: Not publicly disclosed.

Box Office: Approximately $10.6 million at the box office.

Awards: The film received mixed reviews and did not win major awards, although Judy Davis was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Critics' Reception: "Deconstructing Harry" was praised for its sharp writing and performances, particularly that of Judy Davis. However, some critics found the film to be cynical and less accessible compared to other works by Allen. Nonetheless, it is considered a significant example of his fragmented storytelling style and self-reflective examination of a writer's life.

My opinion. 

The story would be sympathetic and comic, the setting would be just right, but the whole thing is overly peppered with vulgar jokes and sexual scenes. The film oozes with it. Sure, it makes people laugh, but in the least difficult way. The story of Harry, a bitchy, sex-obsessed writer who is seen in his characters' constant search for sex and ways to have sex, eventually tires.

All the other actors, while very good, go round and round on the same repetitive theme.

Strange film, because Woody Allen is able to create comedy without making such compromises.