Review of Manhattan (1979) by Elliott F — 11 Sep 2010
In 1977, Woody Allen won universal praise (and four Oscars) for what is now considered his masterpiece, Annie Hall. Two years later, Allen makes another romantic comedy, this time, just a bit more complex.
Manhattan shows a collection of couples and how they gradually fall apart, as partners swap between them. When Manhattan begins, middle-aged Isaac (Allen) is dating Tracy (Mariel Hemingway), a bright 17-year-old with a keen eye for the arts, and Yale (Michael O'Donoghue) is married to Emily (Anne Byrne), and having an affair with Mary (Diane Keaton).
Simple enough. But then we're introduced to Isaac's ex-wife, Jill (Meryl Streep), who left him for another woman (Karen Ludwig) and is now publishing a memoir full of scathing insights into Isaac and Jill's problematic marriage.
It would be overdoing it to describe Manhattan's partner-jumping plot as a modern Midsummer Night's Dream, but that's almost what it is: a series of sexual escapades focusing on a singular group of people.
Pounding with nothing but Gershwin music and filmed in an ethereal black-and-white, Manhattan is Allen's "Rhapsody in Gray" and has rightfully taken its place as one of Allen's greatest works.
This review of Manhattan (1979) was written by Elliott F on 11 Sep 2010.
Manhattan has generally received very positive reviews.
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