Review of Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) by Leighton T — 18 Sep 2011

During the 70's and 80's nothing could touch Woody Allen. He was on top, film after film was expert including his Best Picture winner Annie Hall. This one is no exception here with his typical ironic and forward humor mixed with strong, even dark themes that weave together two stories by the end to expert effect.

As well, it his has typical, almost cliche at this point, life philosophies, but somehow he always manages to hit home with these in a way that is way more powerful than it deserves to be considering his sometimes overly humorous way of delivering it.

Here, considering the dark subject matters and subtle dual story ties, it hits home even more powerfully. The cast of great 80's actors are all terrific in their respective parts. I particuarly loved the deliberately soap-operaish Anjelica Huston, Alan Alda's schmuck, and Martin Landau's conflicted and taught sort-of lead performance.

Every single actor and character brings something to the table to add to what is a beautifully written script. His classical choices for music are as always right on the money narratively and Sven Nykvist does a gorgeous, softly lit lensing of the story that makes the film a piece of art.