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@michaels_movie_bay
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Comedy writer Alvy Singer re-examines his tumultuous relationship with Annie Hall, a woman unlike any he has dated before. As he tracks the ups and downs of their relationship, he discovers that love is “totally irrational, crazy, and absurd”.
The film celebrates its 45th anniversary this year and it is unfortunate that the discourse surrounding both its controversial director and star and its Best Picture win over Star Wars have distracted from the undeniable genius of this movie itself. Annie Hall is a romantic comedy that subverts and reinvents the genre, showcasing unique and innovative stylistic tricks to enhance the viewing experience.
Annie Hall is the ultimate breakup movie, capturing the joys and angsts, ecstasies and traumas, and affections and heartbreaks of being in a relationship. And depending on your past romantic experiences, or your current relationship status, this film will likely hit differently for every viewer. It has something to say about every stage of the dating process but does so in a way that is simultaneously funny yet melancholy, hopeful yet cynical.
The screenplay is littered with references to pop culture and has since been referenced and homaged in many subsequent films. (500) Days of Summer, another successful breakup movie, is almost a carbon-copy of this film, emulating not only its non-linear approach, but also its inventive use of split-screens and subtitles to provide both subtext and psychological context. The writing is so clever and filled with humor and heart, that it is no surprise that it won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay in 1978.
Also winning an award for her performance as the eponymous character, Diane Keaton imbues her Annie with both quirkiness and kindness which mask many deep insecurities about her intelligence and personality. Woody Allen brings his signature neuroses to his role as Alvy and his flawed yet likable character provides the context and perspective for the story. Annie Hall manages to be hilarious while also being both hopeful and soulful. It features fantastic writing and amazing performances and is one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time.
Hot take: Your enjoyment of this objectively wonderful film may ultimately depend on your ability to separate art from artist.
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