Review of Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) by Craig T — 04 Jan 2011

Perhaps I simply do not get what Allen is trying to convey in the movies I have seen of his. In this one I can appreciate the moments of humor, I really can. I can appreciate the anxiety of characters portrayed by Caine and Allen (again directing himself).

I can certainly appreciate Weist because she is fantastic in so many roles and very authentic. What I can't get over is the film as a whole. When I put the pieces together they just don't mesh with me.

This is a style and a preference issue I understand. As with Annie Hall (which I see as quite overrated) I think it has it's standout features and dialog that is often times amusing. Payoff and fluid motion are two fundamentals that I usually need to have in a story.

I understand the need for sudden outside forces to invade a story. It brings a real life sense to what is on screen affecting their daily lives. An unnecessary ingredient to this picture is the actor/director himself.

Allen is the same character in all his pictures and that is not a good feature for me. Caine represents the better moments for me here. He is, as usual, right on the money. There are times where the story looses me to one of two things.

Either I don't care enough of what I am seeing or it is just not engaging enough for me. (D).