Review of Manhattan (1979) by Bill K — 24 Dec 2008

It's hard for me to believe that it has been over two years since I popped "Lost in Translation" into my DVD player and fell in love with film for the first time. It's even harder for me to believe that it has taken me over two years to watch Woody Allen's incredible "Manhattan", but at the same time I could not have seen it at a better time then now. In the past two years, I've watched over 250 amazing films (not including those I have seen already, or those that I have seen over and over, like Lost in Translation, which I have seen 17 times if anyone is counting), and with "Manhattan", I look forward to another 250 more.

Woody Allen's magnificent "Manhattan" combines two of the director's favorite subjects, New York and relationships into a charming and unforgettable experience. Allen stars as our hero, Isaac as he gets caught up in the middle of some heavy relationships. There are similarities with his role in "Annie Hall", but here Allen's character seems to be far wiser and more sensitive to the world around him. In "Manhattan", Allen finds himself at his most calm and in control between his sensitivity and humor - this is easily the finest performance of his career.

Shot in many of Manhattan's most lovable and famous locales, the film is an enduring tribute to the city and its many features, good and bad. The cinematography is further highlighted by Allen's use of black and white footage which gives the city a timeless glow. The picture is further enriched by the cinematographers use of lighting, very reminiscent of Bergman, who Allen gives a generous nod to in the film. Details like this is what really caught my eye in "Manhattan" and another reason why I'm so thankful to have waited so long to see this film. Allen embraces cinema and uses all of his influences to craft this film, and it shows in every frame. The film only gets sweeter as you look down the stunning list of woman including Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemingway, and a young Meryl Streep. A film for lovers of film, "Manhattan" is one of the very best that life has to offer.