Woody Allen Teases The Plot Of Magic In The Moonlight

Woody Allen may have already wrapped his latest film Magic in The Moonlight, but that doesn't mean the persnickety director will give up the goods when it comes to what the movie is all about. Nonetheless, with word that Sony Pictures Classics will be distributing the film, Allen has decided to drop a few details.

The LA Times reports Allen has confessed, "It's a romantic comedy set in the South of France in the 1920s." Via press release Sony added that Magic in The Moonlight is "against a backdrop of wealthy mansions, the Côte d’Azur, jazz joints and fashionable spots for the wealthy of the Jazz Age."

It seems Midnight in Paris didn't tap out Allen's interest in love circa 1920s France.

Like many of Allen's works, Magic in The Moonlight boasts a star-stuffed ensemble. Colin Firth, Emma Stone, Eileen Atkins, Marcia Gay Harden, Hamish Linklater, Simon McBurney and Jacki Weaver are known to be in the Côte d’Azur-set romantic comedy, and three of them have been teased in previously released stills seen above and below:

Magic in the Moonlight still

Another possible clue about this mysterious rom-com has been revealed at IMDB, where a simple plot synopsis reads:

A romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue.

Might we assume from Firth's solo shot in the released production pics that he is the swindle-unmasking Englishman? It seems a safe guess. But we may not know for sure until Sony announces what its release plans are. Allen has suggested Magic in The Moonlight's release date may depend on whether or not it gets into the Cannes Film Festival this May. But while we wait, we can at least revisit Blue Jasmine.

Another Sony Pictures Classic release, Blue Jasmine has proved a hit on the art house circuit. Not only has it earned $75 million worldwide, but its strong chances in Oscar season--courtesy of Cate Blanchett's fantastic performance in the lead role--has scored the dark comedy a second release. Last night Blanchett won a Golden Globe for playing the titular traumatized heroine, putting her in a strong position for Oscar night. This means Magic in The Moonlight will likely have a tough act to follow!

Kristy Puchko

Staff writer at CinemaBlend.