Annie Hall
I'm not a Woody Allen fan by any measure. I tried watching two of his relatively new movies (Mighty Aphrodite and Don't Drink the Water), but I got bored within 10 minutes. Judging by said films and clips from other movies he's in, Allen plays the same annoying, neurotic, and pessimistic character in just about all of his films. His character in Annie Hall is no exception, but it's still a good film.
Annie Hall is about an on-off romance between New York comedian Alvy Singer (Allen) and the title character (Diane Keaton, a personal favorite). The two meet while playing tennis at a gym club. Alvy and Annie seem to be perfect for each other, because they share many personal characteristics and mannerisms.
Annie and Alvy's relationship progresses to familiar levels, including meeting her family and living together. One day, Annie feels that the relationship isn't moving forward, and they break up. Alvy soon embarks on rebound relationships with some quirky females. The rest of the film centers on Alvy and Annie trying to make their relationship work, despite their careers and other possible suitors.
Annie Hall is a great movie, according to the 1977 Academy Awards. It won Best Picture (beating out Star Wars!), Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. The American Film Institute (an organization of people who know their shit when it comes to quality movies) voted it #4 on their "100 Years . . . 100 Laughs" list in 2000. That's pretty good for a romantic comedy.
Allen deserved the Best Director Oscar; Annie Hall is clever and original in every scene. The majority of the film is straightforward live action with the addition of an animated scene. The director uses flashbacks to show the audience Alvy's childhood and previous relationships as well as Annie and Alvy's meeting and developing romance. Also, Allen talks to the camera a lot. This makes the audience feel like part of the film, and they get into the story.
The comedy in Annie Hall is suggestive but not vulgar. Woody Allen gets many laughs with sarcasm, lighthearted stereotyping and other comedy devices. After dinner with the Hall family, Alvy is talking to Annie's brother Duane. Duane confides in Alvy and tells him that when he is driving and sees headlights from the other lane, Duane feels like pulling into the other car. With a straight face, Alvy says, "Right. Well, I have to -- I have to go now, Duane, because I, I'm due back on the planet Earth."
If you're tired of all of the tiresome, trite, and boring excuses for romantic comedies being churned out these days, Check out Annie Hall. This movie defines romantic comedies, because the characters are true to life. Annie isn't perfect (especially when she's driving), and Alvy isn't smooth or charismatic. Quite possibly, Annie Hall is about your relationship.
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Drinking game idea: Chug a beer every time Woody Allen's character dates a new woman.
This classic romantic comedy is almost a sure thing to get you some lovin'.
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