Review of Husbands and Wives (1992) by Adam B — 25 Jul 2011
Woody Allen was going through a difficult time when this film was being made, and he was caught up in a nasty tabloid scandal, but all of that helped this film. It's a bleaker effort, but it's not one of his serious offerings, but it borders dangerously on being one.
It begins when couple Gabe Roth (Woody) and his wife Judy (Mia Farrow) learn that their friends Jack (Sydney Pollack) and Sally (Judy Davis) are splitting up, which comes as a big shock to the Roths. They also find themselves drifting apart as a result, Gabe finds himself in a brief, clandestine relationship with student Rain (Juliette Lewis).
Jack starts a relationship with Sam (Lysette Anthony), which doesn't go well, Sally ends up with arts expert Michael Gates (Liam Neeson), who in turn, ends up in a relationship with Judy, and Jack and Sally end up back together.
It's very complex, and it looks very uncomfortable and voyeuristic as well with very juttery hand-held camerawork and very sudden jump cuts. But, it's got very good performances to it's name, but it can't decide whether it should be a comedy or a drama.
This review of Husbands and Wives (1992) was written by Adam B on 25 Jul 2011.
Husbands and Wives has generally received very positive reviews.
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