Review of Another Woman (1988) by Matthew B — 29 Aug 2010

If Interiors is a rather nuanced reference to Bergman's Cries and Whispers, then Another Woman is a brazen ode to the Swedish master's Wild Strawberries. The subtly stylized dream sequence (complete with Klimt and the music of Varese) harkens to the opening nightmare of the 1956 masterpiece, and the central academic's multifaceted exploration of her various familial relationships captures the same searching, occasionally bleak aura.

However, this film is certainly more than mere imitation, and, though it retains a seat in the rear of Allen's canon (in terms of renown, it rests alongside September, Alice, and Stardust Memories) it is easily one of his most acute works.

Gena Rowlands is magnificent as Marion, a chilled philosopher attempting to reclaim some amount of warmth and humanity in her cerebral life. Allen's instincts for a fine ensemble sparkle with Mia Farrow (absolutely spectacular - bracing, terrifying - in her eavesdropped introduction), Ian Holm, Sandy Dennis, Betty Buckley, John Houseman (the personification of the shipwreck of old age), Harris Yulin, and Philip Bosco.

Gene Hackman is regrettably unidiomatic. Sven Nykvist's succulent photography is a tremendous attribute.