Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Movie review - "Manhattan" (1979) ****

An important film in the evolution of Woody Allen, Superstar - this followed up the blockbuster success of Annie Hall by being a similar adult comedy. The two movies helped set the template for many classic 90s-00s TV series which explored modern day relationships.

I wonder if its recalled as fondly as other Allen films - say Annie Hall, Hannah and Her Sisters, or Bullets over Broadway. Maybe not. In part because it's more serious, less loving - also I think the fact Allen's character goes out with a 17 year old and realises at the end that She's The One For Him, can, in hindsight, be a little off putting.

Gordon Willis' black and white photography is stunning, as are the views of New York and the use of Gershwin's music. Dianne Keaton gives a wonderful performance, so different from Annie Hall. Darling support turns from Wallace Shawn, Michael Murphy (in the Tony Roberts role), Meryl Streep (what a stunner). Mariel Hemingway is okay - a bit wooden. Woody himself gives one of his most confident star performers - funny, neurotic, but a rounded adult.

Very strong acting, jokes and situations. Its uniqueness has since been superseded by TV but it remains entertaining.

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