Review of Manhattan (1979) by Marion R — 06 Jan 2009

Woody Allen's "Manhattan" was a very enjoyable movie experience for me. In its very artistic, surreal presentation, the film creates a very interesting visual appearance and mood. Meanwhile, the script creates very well-developed characters whose insecurities and idiosyncrasies unravel with each passing minute. The black-and-white photography was an excellent choice here, and it gives the movie a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously creating a somber ambiance. There are times when the structures in the background appear to be a studio backdrop which makes for a very interesting effect visually.

The story follows Issac Davis (Allen), who is recently divorced by from his ex-wife (Streep) who left him for a woman and is now writing a book about the whole thing. Issac, a writer himself, is also writing a book about New York whose opening lines are heard at the start of the film via a voiceover by Allen. Issac is dating a 17-year-old (Hemingway), who is still in high school and insists that she loves him, though he continually tells her that she is too young to know what love is. Issac's friend, Yale (Murphy) is married but having an affair with a woman named Mary (Keaton). Issac and Mary are introduced and don't see eye-to-eye at first, but feelings slowly begin to change as the film progresses. What results is a web of love, frustration, and mixed emotions from all characters.

Allen was able to capture the essence of the city for which the film is aptly titled perfectly. One can see the sights and hear the sounds of the environment bustling around the characters throughout the duration of the movie, and though subtle, it makes a perfect backdrop for the story. Allen's script and performance is highly entertaining as he goes off on lengthy, humorous rants in response to just about everything that's going on around him. The volley of sarcastic banter between him and the supporting characters flows continually and never slows up long enough for the film to drag.

Allen's unique sense of humor and his neurotic personality have since become sort of his trademark, and they both blossom here. Also, I believe he chose the title for the movie as if to say that you can go anywhere in the city and find a similar situation going on people's lives. "Manhattan" is a portrait of the time in which it was made and truly earns its place in the list of must-see films.