Review of Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) by Wesley H — 27 Sep 2009

Woody Allen proves to be an exceedingly satisfactory and magnificent writer, director, and actor with his projects. In his films, he bends a humorous, yet overall dark story that represent moral viewpoints, romance, murder, and mystery.

In his 1989 film, Crimes And Misdemeanors, Allen directs a very dark, conflicted story that blends two unique characters. His milestone of a film erects as a constant role model to stylish and dark comedies, and sophisticated, planned out stories of present time.

Crimes And Misdemeanors is a replication of internal conflicts, and haunting guilt from decisions that go against a moral structure in present society; if there is any. Following two men - Judah Rosenthal (Martin Landau) and Cliff Stern, the movie repeatedly transfers from both troubled men's lives. Judah's life is complicated and deep. Currently in an affair, Judah will do anything to escape it and move on with his life. An internal conflict of Jewish moral structures picks Judah's life away as he gets stuck in the situation he is in.

In contrast to Judah's struggle is Cliff's yearning to have an affair with a producer. Hired by his greedy and cynical brother in law to document his life, Cliff wishes to strike up a fire with the producer while attempting to record the life of a philosophy professor in his own documentary film.

These two men's lives clash back and forth on the ping pong table that stands as the plot. With one who is trying to get out of a terrible, immoral mess, and the other blindly trying to enter one.

As well, the constant question and theme of moral decisions and reasoning is presented. With a strong Jewish faith, Judah faces the guilt of his decision, due to the repeated teaching of Judaism as he grew up. Straying from that ethical background, Judah is faced with what he knows is right. On the flip side, Cliff discovers a moral tone when twists and turns lead him to question it. Especially involving his study of a professor who teaches on philosophy.

Allen creates a singular, creatively conflicting plot that takes a deep tone to the end. Always remembered as a persona of dry humor, Allen succeeds in mixing his talented sarcasm with a dominating, dramatic story.

And with no suprises, Allen performs in his own work remarkably. With a glowing cast standing by Allen, the film proceeds in accomplishing the task of the story. Landau deeply portrays a paranoid man in a terrifying situation that contradicts his belief; and Allen plays out wonderfully as the witty, sarcastic, filmmaker who has found what true love is.

In the end, Allen's story comes to a conclusion of thought, and surprise. Only one, small, ironic, event will bring these men together for a short time. Though short, this time puts everything the theme reflects in one beautiful scene of performance and writing.

Standing out as another work of art on Allen's part, Crimes And Misdemeanors is rich in character, meaningful themes, and a mastery of cinematic elements.