Manhattan, Woody Allen (film review)

from the opening shot of "Manhattan" with Woody Allen speaking over the pictures of Manhattan and the music of Gershwin, this film is pure magic. Firing on all cylinders, Allen hits an artistic peak with this film following success from "Annie Hall" and the brilliant "Interiors" Allen finishes out the seventies with a crescendo that matches that of the Gershwin song that opens film.

The stark black and white images of New York City, in the summer, in the winter in snow, and with fireworks truly demonstrates Allen's love affair with the great city, this is an ode to the city of his birth as well as a fantastic period piece, the last second of the 1970's and it feels that way when watching this movie. It has such a strong 70's feel that its great for that one aspect alone, however, many more fantastic aspects exist in this film. Mariel Hemingway is beautiful and outstanding, the love triangle with Diane Keating, Allen and Michael Murphy is skillfully expressed and crafted, and the ending is superb. This is one of those rare films that gives the viewer chills, and not just once but many times. Simply stated, this movie is why people who love film, love film.

Interiors, Woody Allen (film review)

Like the title of the film "Interiors" is as much about the psychology of the characters as it is about the mother who decorated the inside of homes. Fantastic, scorching drama by Woody Allen, one of his best. The film centers around the lives of one family, they each have issues to work out and they interact with each other based on personalities that are in strong opposition to one another. As the film unravels it resembles something close to a Bergman film, dark, brooding and deeply subconscious. Allen definitely was influenced by Bergman while making this film.

Allen, who is typically known as a comedic writer and director shatters the his own mold with this one and demonstrates his range and insight.