Manhattan (1979)

Sick Product of a Sick System

Fantastic!

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Does anyone open a film better than Woody Allen? Whether it be a brilliant opening scene giving the viewer an idea of what is to follow or a fantastic opening monologue, Woody Allen has the ability to bring me into his films in their opening seconds like no other filmmaker can. Manhattan opens with that signature perfect voice- over narration that I am starting to associate with Woody Allen. Manhattan was my 6th outing with the auteur and one that I am immeasurably thankful for. There was a time in my life before I saw Manhattan and the time of my life after I saw Manhattan; the line distinguishing those two points in my life is becoming quite clear. There's nothing I like more than watching a film and knowing immediately it is going to have a profound impact on your life as a cinephile. I rarely have that experience with most films making themselves known as turning points in my life long after their credits roll. Manhattan was the 1979 installment of prolific director Woody Allen's film-a-year career. Detailing the feelings of love's uncertainty in a remarkably down to earth way, Manhattan is beautiful in no small part to its simplicity.Isaac (Woody Allen) is a forty-something writer who has a better romantic relationship with his hometown of Manhattan than he ever has with a woman in his life. Isaac is currently carrying on a relationship with a 17-year old girl that he is only half invested in because he sees the relationship as doomed to fail due to their age difference. His partner Tracy (Mariel Hemingway), however, is fully invested in their romance and realizes that she is falling in love with Isaac. After dealing with an ex-wife who divorced Isaac after realizing she was a lesbian deciding to write a book about their marriage, quitting his job as a writer for a television comedy, and believing he may be romantically interested in the woman his best friend is having an affair with, Isaac ends his relationship with Tracy in hopes of a revelation through self- discovery and a relationship with a woman his age. Isaac soon realizes that there does not exist one universal formula for a successful life, and even if there did, he probably wouldn't be satisfied with it.Woody Allen is one of my favorite filmmakers. The way he can weave a story through a theme of the uncertainty of the self and the meaning of life has always pleased this existentialist. Woody Allen manages to bring these issues to every film I've seen of his thus far in a new and innovative way which has inspired me to work my way through his entire filmography. What I was not prepared for before I watched Manhattan was how beautiful of a film Woody Allen is capable of. There are certain themes one conjures up when considering Woody Allen, among them, neurotic Jewish characters, self-aware nervous individuals, death, and bitingly quick film writing. I was pleasantly surprised just how gorgeous Manhattan was. Making the decision to shoot the film in black and white and providing subtly brilliant shots shows Allen's prowess as a director. Certain shots have stayed with me since I finished the film two days ago, for instance, the lighting in the planetarium scene when Isaac is trying to decide how he feels about his new muse, the shot through the blinds when Isaac is on the phone, Tracy sitting on the couch in the left corner of the screen as Isaac descends a set of stairs from the right corner of the screen, the shot of the couple on Isaac's television show seen arguing through wires from the ceiling, and of course the iconic shot of the Queensboro Bridge which adorns the film's poster, are all images that are beautiful in what they convey in each moment of the film--and images I can't forget. Woody Allen asks a serious question in Manhattan--"What makes life worth living", well, part of my answer is: Woody Allen films.

The Three Acts:The initial tableaux: The film features some fine shooting in black and white. Isaac, 42, has drinks with his long time friend Yale, Yale's wife Emily, and Tracey, his current girlfriend, who is 17 (yikes). Isaac's ex Jill, who left him for another woman, is writing a tell-all book about their marriage. Isaac decides to quit his well-paying job to write a book.Delineation of conflicts: Isaac is not thrilled with Jill's book, but she is adamant about getting it published. Yale is having an affair with Mary, while Emily seeks the deeper commitment of children. Yale puts her off. Tracy would like Isaac to be happy, which is not ever going to be an easy thing. Isaac would like Tracy to have a normal happy youth; Tracy would like some commitment from Isaac. Isaac would like to be with his son more, but his obsession with intellect would probably never allow that. The triangle of Yale, Mary, and Isaac takes a number of turns, and has repercussions.Resolution: The personal connections move forward, some for better, some for the worse. Yep, that is about it, but it's well done.

I love Manhattan. Seriously, this is far better than Annie Hall (okay, not everyone may agree) and it's a movie I can watch regularly. Sure, some are critical of it being in black and white, but that gives it the necessary charm to be a classic. Manhattan is timeless.If you're a devotee of Fast and the Furious, then this movie isn't for you so please move on.The way Woody Allen explores the interweaving relationships is revealing and even entertaining. The Gershwin soundtrack gives it the necessary sweeping emotional landscape. For those who like Manhattan, you have to see Manhattan Murder Mystery, you won't be disappointed.

Manhattan is an interesting film by Woody Allen, The story and dialogue between the characters is more serious and believable than in the only other film I saw Annie Hall. The humor also didn't seem forced or written in just to make something funnier, the jokes were naturally funny. I still don't like the fact that Woody Allen casts himself in the lead part when he could easily get someone much better to play the part. The supporting cast is also really good as it usually is in these kinds of Woody Allen films. The style of the film I also enjoyed with the black and white and great use of shadows gives it a old timey feel to it that helps the film in a way. Overall, Manhattan isn't a bad film, I enjoyed it more than I did Annie Hall, but there were still some things I would've liked to see Woody Allen do differently along the lines of the story and cast. That is why Manhattan gets a 7/10.