A Woody Allen treat. In so many Allen films, we are often left wondering how much of the script is autobiographical; as it is a definitive characteristic of Allen to let a lot of his personal stuff make it into his artistic creations. One question, among many, that reads loud and clear from the actors on the screen is this: what ethical constraints bind the conscience and conduct of an artist? Or, in Allen's words, "Does a man possessed of true artistic genius create his own moral universe?"

Cusack is concise as the demure playwright David Shayne. There are a lot of creative and playful jabs taken at the 'artistic process' and the acting mecca of New York (in the twenties); lots of inside Broadway jokes. Cusack and Chazz Palminteri's Cheech, as 'the true artist' are delightful to behold. Turns out the gangster Cheech is the one with the real artistic vision, as we watch him breathe life into David's flat screenplay, almost by accident. The two conspire and Chazz insists David get full credit for the changes.