Annie Hall by Woody Allen

Review by Ian Stout


Annie Hall/ 1977
Woody Allen/Born in Brooklyn NY in 1935 as Allen Konigsberg.
Budget: 4,000,000 (IMDB)
Gross: 38,251,425 (IMDB)
Synopsis:
Woody Allen co writes, directs and acts in this dramatic, some times comedic snap shot of relationships and how futile they can be. Woody carries his cynical views in a comedic light and often engages the audience directly in his on screen rants. The man has something to say in this film and trust me, he wont let you miss it. It’s a tragic love story that is doomed from the start. When he hears her grandmother is a Jew hater on one of there fist dates he ignores all the red flags, as does she, to the problems that must follow.

Narrative and Visual Keywords:
Drama, Dark Comedy, Quirky, Intellectual, Opinionated, Philisophical

Characterization/ Dialogue
Woody plays a troubled man who doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut or his opinions to himself. Entertaining to watch. His dialog rambles and touches often on his pet peeves. You really get a feel for how Woody feels about the world though his heavy handed script and intellectual rants.

Camera/lighting/editing technique
The camera work is simple and deliberate. Few camera moves are used but there is always well thought out framing and unique backdrops. Dramatic lighting is used now and then to possible enhance the mood.

Political/ Social Commentary
Woody Allen is heavily opinionated Socially and Politically. We know he is a Jew and he is way left.

Historical Relevance/ Recognition
Came out the same year as Star Wars.

Notable Collaboration He co wrote the film with Marshall Brickman

Random fact, Etc.
The film beat out Star Wars for best film!

1. "Notice factor." Why was their first film received well- what set it apart from other films being released. Essentially, what made these now mainstream directors seem fresh upon their first release?

I believe it was his strait forward comedy writing style with philosophical undertones that helped set Woody Allen apart. He wasn't afraid to pull punches on himself or others.

2. "Emerging Talent" What signature stylistic tendencies are apparent even in work that is embryonic?
His witty dialog and racial and political jabs set Woody in his own world on theatrical nonsense staged for the screen.


3. "Evolution of Vision" Has the vision of the director become evolved/ integrated or dispersed/ unidentifiable.
Personal: Do you prefer this director's early works or later works?
Both works I saw by Woody Allen were very much in the same vain. I enjoyed them both very much. Annie hall was terrific but the over all tone of Love and Death was more to my liking. So earlier if I had to make the call.