Review of Manhattan (1979) by Matt P — 02 Apr 2011
"Manhattan" is one of best retrospective looking black and white films I have ever seen, rivaled only by ones like "Ed Wood" or "Raging Bull." Its a film about the life of a man(Woody Allen) going through a mid life crisis.
His backdrop or his "world" is that of the big metropolis, New York himself. We see the film open with some gorgeous cinematography, accompanied by Allen's trademark narration, and Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue.
" I have to say, if there was ever any doubt about this film's sheer greatness, it would all disappear after that glorious opening. Allen's directing and neatness(every camera angle is set up just right) grab you as the film gets in.
Halfway through you sort of realize that the film's story hasn't gotten anywhere, but hard last, that is the point. In the thick of a mid life crisis, Allen's character realizes this is the accepted morality of how life in a big city is.
Maybe he can't exactly pin-point what it is he is going through, but he's happy to be at least in a place that he loves. Allen's sarcasm, negativity and pessimism is balanced out by Diane Keaton's character who appears a complete opposite.
She was just as good in this movie as she was in "Annie Hall." The story isn't so much compelling as it is interesting. It is merely the way it plays out and ties together, or in this case, DOESN'T tie together that leaves us wondering.
The film is an homage to black and white romantic dramas, so don't expect anything that you haven't seen before. The film is more of a big tribute than an actual independent Oscar-nominee.
This review of Manhattan (1979) was written by Matt P on 02 Apr 2011.
Manhattan has generally received very positive reviews.
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