Review of Manhattan (1979) by Jeff H — 17 Aug 2011

"Manhattan" is one of my favorite Woody Allen films, as well as one of my favorite movies in general. Isaac (Allen) is just approaching middle-age, and is dealing with the fact that his wife (Streep) left him for another woman.

In the mean time, he's been having a relationship with a 17- year old (Hemingway), but also has been dating his friend's (Murphy) mistress Mary (Keaton). All in all, he has to pick one of the women.

Technically speaking, when you look at the plot, "Manhattan" instantly sounds like a romantic comedy, and though it is, OF COURSE, Allen makes it waay more than that. Instead, he takes that genre and balls it up with black comedy and drama, and as a whole, makes an excellent film about the horrors of middle age and relationships, and the beauty of Manhattan.

In his own words, he wanted to make a mix of "Annie Hall" and "Interiors", but honestly, it's hard to say that's true. Shot in black-and-white and played along with George Gershwin, Allen makes the naturalness of the film shine through, and never ever doesn't give a fresh look at the usually dirty Manhattan.

From all of the restaurants to museums, for people who haven't been there, it just makes you want to go more. OK, enough about all of the technical stuff. Let's talk about acting. I'll admit it-- the acting can't get any better than this.

Allen as usual is brilliant, but when you throw Diane Keaton into the mix, this movie is to die for. This was their last movie together until "Manhattan Murder Mystery", and their performances make it a grand departure.

As I said, he is awesome, and Keaton adds her own wry ways into her role, and can even make the f-word seem like her own. As for Streep and Hemingway? I can say the same, because they are excellent as well.

"Manhattan" is really great, and should be a must-see for anybody. Recommended.