1977
Directed by Woody Allen
This movie is another obsession of mine. It is one that I could watch over and over again. I wrote a paper on it in college (which got an A, although my professor still rejected me when I asked him out; but that's another sad tale). Most recently, I forced a friend of mine to watch it in Florida. He said that I was Annie Hall, which is why I enjoy it so much. Perhaps...
The film explores the relationship between Annie, a neurotic singer, and Alvy Singer, an equally neurotic comedian. It's incredibly sweet, hilarious, and heartbreaking. As someone who has an extremely difficult time getting over break ups (as in, I don't get over them), I can testify that the hardest part is replaying your own lobster scenes. When you were both perfectly happy with each other. That is something that this movie captures beautifully, particularly because Woody Allen and Diane Keaton dated in real life.
So definitely one of my favorite movies of all time. Romantic comedies don't get any better than this. Seriously. Have you seen Moonstruck?
RATING: *****
Interesting Facts:
Diane Keaton's real name Diane Hall and people frequently call her Annie.
OK .. thanks Amanda .. I was decidedly feeling alone .. the outcast who didn't like 'Searchers', and failed to be carried away by the magic of 'Star Wars'. So pleased to agree with someone .. and I'm sure Andrew will agree with us as well .. that this is a fantastic film.
ReplyDeleteI liked your summing up comment about RomComs. It brought up up sharp for a moment .. "What, this is a RomCom?" .. Well of course it is .. what else could it be .. but It's a RomCom Jim, but not as we know it. There are a million differences between this and some **** with Jennifer Aniston it it.
You have a friend who you had to 'force' to watch this? .. and .. the important thing is do YOU relate to Annie, so you think you share some characteristics? I guess that is the secret of something like this .. to make a character that people can relate to .. evn their not so appealing sides.
I've never seen a Woody Allen film and his filmography is so extensive it's hard to even know where to begin...Maybe Annie Hall or Manhattan?
ReplyDeleteA lot depends on your taste in comedy. Of the two you mention, Annie Hall is probably 'funnier' .. and easier to access. Manhattan's B&W filming may put some people off. Personally? .. a hard one, as Manhattan has several poignant moments (well, Annie has as well.. ), but if I have to .. Annie.
ReplyDeleteThen are the 'early, funny' films. Not as subtle.. sometimes slightly slapstick even.. but simple...
Thanks Ray. I think a double bill might be in order.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I think my brain exploded that you asked this question Paul! Obviously I love Annie Hall but Manhattan is so good (although I agree with Ray)!! Also Crimes and Misdemeanors. I am so jealous you get to experience these films for the first time!
ReplyDeleteAnnie Hall is great. However, my fav Woody Allen film is Hannah and Her Sisters.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great one! I have to rewatch that soon.
DeleteI love Annie Hall! So good, so many memorable lines, and I agree with you Amanda, I could watch it over and over. Diane Keaton is AMAZING and there are so many, many funny parts. I'm smiling thinking about it. I may have to go watch it again right now!
ReplyDeleteAgreed Diana! I want to as well!
DeleteAmanda .. sorry .. I just happen to re read my comment , and realised some of it had somehow been omitted .. As it stands, it came over as being a tad critical and even rude ..
ReplyDeleteI rather like Anie as a character, though she has annoying traits .. that if you had to live with would drive you round the bend. (Lha di dah..)
I meant to add that I'm afraid I often find myself identifying with several of Woody's characters .. the insecurities .. but not, I hasten to add .. to such the exaggerated degree he shows in his films.
I didn't think it sounded rude! What part of it was rude?
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ReplyDeleteThen I will come clean and say that Woody Allen's neurotic New Yorker is not my cup of tea. There is something incredibly egocentric about it. Even if it is funny
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