A neurotic New York comedian falls in love with a happy-go-lucky singer.
COMEDY
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Annie Hall (1977)Directed by Woody Allen
Written by Woody Allen and Marshall Brickman Starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane, Paul Simon, Shelley Duvall, Christopher Walken, Colleen Dewhurst Oscar Wins - Best Picture, Best Actress (Diane Keaton), Best Director, Best Original Screenplay Oscar Nominations - Best Actor (Woody Allen) |
Annie Hall was the film that turned Woody Allen into an indie film superstar, and gave audiences a timeless comedy that's still surprisingly hilarious. Like most of the films I review, this was my first time watching it, and I couldn't believe how much I related to it. Annie Hall shows both sides of a relationship, the love and the hate. The smartest thing Allen did with this film was show Alvy and Annie's relationship from finish to start, beginning with the aftermath of the breakup and gradually progressing to their first meeting and the first few months they were together. Both of them were terrific, and it actually makes me wish Allen did more work in front of the camera as well as behind it.
Allen plays Alvy Singer, a neurotic Woody Allen type who can't enjoy life because he's too busy worrying about everyone else's business. He's miserable, he's irritating, and he's the kind of friend you hope doesn't come to the party because he bums everyone out. Then he meets Annie (Keaton), a charming, quirky, aspiring singer who sees something in Alvy that even he doesn't see. A romance blossoms and the two quickly realize they are made for each other, but they can't be together for very long. She has dreams, and he has nightmares, I suppose. Annie Hall plays on Allen's greatest strengths, witty dialogue and smartly written characters set against a New York backdrop. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, mostly thanks to Allen and Keaton's bubbly chemistry and delightful banter. It's a film that can be enjoyed by pretty much anyone with a heart and a funny bone. |