Review of Stardust Memories (1980) by Margarita M — 30 Aug 2008

Wow â?? I really really liked this film and I think it was probably the best example of Allenâ??s talent as an artist because despite the heavy intertexual references, it avoids becoming pretentious by making fun of both the stereotypical â??pretentious art filmâ?? AND its detractors.

Visually; the mise-en-scene throughout the film echoed Bergman and especially Fellini. The use of sound in the opening sequence also reminded me a lot of Godard. Thereâ??s a lot going on in terms of how Allen views his own oevre, filmmaking, and more broadly speaking, the narrative of his life.

Despite being such a rich film, itâ??s incredibly elegant as well; nothing felt superfluous or pretentious.