Review of Manhattan (1979) by Josh M — 08 Jul 2009

The further I get from Manhattan, the more I like it. A blend between the relationship-driven story of Annie Hall and the serious work of something like Interiors, Manhattan is definitely the work of a more mature Allen.

I've remarked before that one of my favorite things about Allen is his ability to create vivid, vibrant characters who feel like true people, and his work in that regard in Manhattan is incredible.

What's more touching, I think, is his depiction of relationships - or, more accurately, the end of relationships and loss. I think I expected more of Allen's wit here, but what I got was something more honest and human, something that takes a long look at the passions and neuroses that drive us and finds not only something deeply human about it all, but even finds a way to laugh at it a little.

And, of course, none of this mentions the spectacular cinematography, the way New York is such a character in the film, the Gershwin soundtrack... When I first saw the film, I liked it, but didn't love it; I missed the humor and joy of Annie Hall.

But the more I look back, the more I realize that Allen's love of life is still there; it's just tempered by a more realistic, honest look at himself and the world around him, and there's something beautiful about that.