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Let's not mess about - this is Woody Allen's best film. 'Annie Hall' comes a close second, but if you're looking for an example of truly incredible cinema, then look no further. Reasons? Well, there's the storyline. Allen's films have been said to be clones of one another, but I disagree. You could say exactly the same thing about Hitchcock. What is repeated throughout Allen's career is the feel, the mood of his films. His style is immaculate and very reusable. Romance, wit and New York are used by Allen like Hitchcock used suspense and blonds. In this film, Allen is a screenwriter who is trying to write a novel. In the meantime, he has love affairs with two very different women and with his city, New York. He also battles with the embarrassment of his last marriage, to a character played by Meryl Streep, who left Allen to begin a relationship with a woman. That particular storyline has been used recently in the sitcom, 'Friends' with the Allen-esque Ross Geller. Then there's Manhattan. Never before has the city been captured on film as beautifully as this. This film could only have been made in black and white. And what about the Gershwin soundtrack? Some would say that it's Gershwin's music that makes this film. I certainly think it helps greatly. I don't think 'Someone to Watch Over Me' has ever sounded as good as in this film. But what I really love about this film, and the reason it's way ahead of any other Woody Allen film, is the timelessness. I seriously believe that this film could have been made yesterday, if only we made films as good as this today. This love story doesn't take place in the late seventies, it takes place every day in New York City. Or that's what it feels like. 'Sleepless in Seattle', 'You've Got Mail', 'Serendipity' all owe their existence to this film, only Manhattan seems less like a Romantic Comedy and more like an epic. So what about the DVD edition. The film itself looks great. But why are we limited to one extra feature? We're only treated to the theatrical trailer on Allen's DVDs. What we'd all really like is an outtake reel, a 'Making Of' and interviews. But, hey ho, if this is all we get, we better just make the most of it!Read full review
For those unfamiliar with Woody Allen' unique style I would say that this man is an intelligent, witty, artistic and clever film maker but his style is, I'm afraid, one you either love or hate, there doesnt seem to be any middle ground as far as Woody is concerned. I think it is not the best mnotive to watch this film purely for the sights because although they are given a lot of coverage, Mr Allen lives in Manhatten and loves it there, the film is far more story than scenery. Filmed in black and white to create an effect of nostalgia and days of innocence with, as noted before, a wonderful Gershuin score we have a tale of a newly divorced man ( Allen) anticipating humiliation beyond his hitherto known experience as his ex-wife openly publishes a book based on where their marriage went wrong. The scene is set for the exploration of excruciating shame and embarassment, the sort that can only truly be envisaged by those of us who have been divorced and can place ourselves in Allen's shoes. It is absolutely hilarious with genuine and heartwarming characters and as with all Allen films, he does away with strict baddies and goodies and just develops all the characters as human and flawed but with possibly good motives where they coincide with self interest. I am a Woody Allen fan and can say with hand on heart that this is truly his style and other fans will love it. New to Allen? Think intelligent slapstick or farce with brains.Read full review
fun
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you're a Woody Allen fan you may enjoy it. But it's boring!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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