Annie Hall
March 25th 2007 18:07
Update 13 Aug 2007 - I recently rewatched Annie Hall at the Chauvel Cinema, taking extreme pleasure in watching it on the big screen. What a difference! It's obvious why this film was such a hit in the 70s, as Allen's inspired filmmaking comes across as fresh and vibrant, even now.
If you ever have the chance to see it in a theatre, treat yourself to the experience... from the opening moments when Allen speaks to the audience to the brilliant scenes in his childhood, to his complicated relationship with Annie, it brings out a deep understanding of how complicated people really are.
It beat out Star Wars in 1977 for an Oscar for Best Picture, which would be unimaginable today, given the iron grip that the Star Wars franchise has held over popular culture. Annie Hall is considered to be Woody Allen's masterpiece, his turning point from slapstick gag director, pensive auteur.
It's vilely autobiographical and self-reflective... Allen plays a version of himself, Jewish, neurotic, obsessed with women, and Diane Keaton plays Annie Hall, the love of Allen's life. Or is she actually the love of his life? Watching Annie Hall, it feels like the film is Allen's tribute and apology to Keaton, who he had a tumultuous relationship with.
While most people claim it to be their favourite Allen film, I find that it's rough around the edges, and a little unfocused - like the director himself, perhaps. There's a lot of good stuff here, from Allen speaking to audience, to the a real-life person speaking in the film, to the split screens - it's all very envelope-pushing and dynamic.
I suppose what really draws people to this film is that it's nearly like not watching a film. Other than Allen's directorial tricks, the film comes down to people talking,as Roger Ebert pointed out. Talk, talk, talk... the dialogue is fresh, vibrant and witty. It's a clever movie, which assumes that the viewer is a well-read New Yorker - a failing that attracts us to the film, not repels.
The dialogue is what propels the film, and the chemistry between Keaton and Allen is so sharp onscreen, that we don't notice how long the shots carry on for. Allen was famous for his long average shot length, which requires the viewer to pay attention - in these MTV-edited times, the viewer is barraged with a flurry of fast cuts and slick soundtracking.
In Annie Hall, we've no choice but to listen. And be irritated - since Allen is the film world's most persistant gnat... but there's a sense of endearment at work here, and it's easy, so easy, to watch the entire movie, captivated by the rampant personality of the film. Even 30 years later, it's still something that any adult can resonate with.
I say: Perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon, when you can't be bothered to meet with your friends at some overpriced cocktail lounge - Annie Hall lets you look inside Allen, which somehow feels like an examination of yourself.
See it for: Great early roles for big stars. A young Christopher Walken!
If you ever have the chance to see it in a theatre, treat yourself to the experience... from the opening moments when Allen speaks to the audience to the brilliant scenes in his childhood, to his complicated relationship with Annie, it brings out a deep understanding of how complicated people really are.
It's vilely autobiographical and self-reflective... Allen plays a version of himself, Jewish, neurotic, obsessed with women, and Diane Keaton plays Annie Hall, the love of Allen's life. Or is she actually the love of his life? Watching Annie Hall, it feels like the film is Allen's tribute and apology to Keaton, who he had a tumultuous relationship with.
While most people claim it to be their favourite Allen film, I find that it's rough around the edges, and a little unfocused - like the director himself, perhaps. There's a lot of good stuff here, from Allen speaking to audience, to the a real-life person speaking in the film, to the split screens - it's all very envelope-pushing and dynamic.
I suppose what really draws people to this film is that it's nearly like not watching a film. Other than Allen's directorial tricks, the film comes down to people talking,as Roger Ebert pointed out. Talk, talk, talk... the dialogue is fresh, vibrant and witty. It's a clever movie, which assumes that the viewer is a well-read New Yorker - a failing that attracts us to the film, not repels.
The dialogue is what propels the film, and the chemistry between Keaton and Allen is so sharp onscreen, that we don't notice how long the shots carry on for. Allen was famous for his long average shot length, which requires the viewer to pay attention - in these MTV-edited times, the viewer is barraged with a flurry of fast cuts and slick soundtracking.
In Annie Hall, we've no choice but to listen. And be irritated - since Allen is the film world's most persistant gnat... but there's a sense of endearment at work here, and it's easy, so easy, to watch the entire movie, captivated by the rampant personality of the film. Even 30 years later, it's still something that any adult can resonate with.
I say: Perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon, when you can't be bothered to meet with your friends at some overpriced cocktail lounge - Annie Hall lets you look inside Allen, which somehow feels like an examination of yourself.
See it for: Great early roles for big stars. A young Christopher Walken!
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Comment by JohnDoe
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As you can probably tell, I'm going on an Allen binge these days... reviews of Match Point and Scoop coming up soon!
Comment by Norm
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this is the first Woody Allen pic I liked...and since then I take notice when one of his is on the box...like Hannah and her Siblings which I loved....what I want to write is that I really like the construction of your piece...and that it was hard to get his work as a kid...but as an adult...
Norm...
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Comment by Cibbuano
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looking back, Annie Hall doesn't seem like a winner, especially at the box office... but it's still a great film... just not one of Allen's best.
Norm, I know exactly what you mean... I'm going on an Allen binge right now - and finding it remarkable that he cranked out so many high quality movies...
Comment by katyzzz
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You write well, interestingly and articulately.
I think I'd like to see that movie sometime. It sounds interesting and thought provoking.
katyzzz
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Comment by Cibbuano
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Armenta, I'm going on an Allen binge these days..go dig them up!
Comment by Miswanderlust
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Comment by Cibbuano
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and his adopted daughter? freaky...
I haven't seen any of the movies that you mentioned!
Comment by JohnDoe
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I'll try to track down Hannah, too!
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