FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS: "ANNIE HALL"!
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One thing I have learned from over three years of producing this feature is to never assume that a film, television series or an actor--however iconic--is known by everyone. There will always be those who read a "Friday Movie Suggestion Night" feature and then say "Oh, yeah. I remember that one". And as sure as I'm sitting here, someone will remark with total honesty, "I was always too busy with life to ever get around to seeing that. But thanks, I'll jot it down on my list!"
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With this in mind, "ANNIE HALL" is basically a film about a comedian named "Alvy Singer" (Woody Allen) who winds up unexpectedly falling in love with a quirky, but attractive girl named---altogether now: Annie Hall! (played by Diane Keaton). This is a very entertaining film about two people who are total opposites, but nevertheless embrace each other with humor and fascination. This is also decidedly Woody Allen of the 1970's, with his self deprecating character who obsesses over the subject of death, and has a dark, cynical view about the world and the people in it. Annie is a clumsy but talented singer and photographer. This film is quite a riot as it takes you through the couple's entire relationship replete with private thoughts, the use of split screen (as each visits their own therapist) and basically how awkward conversation leads to love and romance. Allen often comes out of character to speak directly to the audience to explain his view of a given situation. It's hard to believe that over 20 years has passed! I recently saw Diane Keaton on "Larry King Live" and she was shown reacting to various films she had made. When her performance in this comedy was shown, it was rather clear to me that she had not watched herself in "Annie Hall" in some time. And the experience was at once embarrassing and endearing for such a great actress who remains strikingly attractive and working in age-obsessed Hollywood in her 50's (a sad reality Hollywood should be ashamed of, as many fine actresses over 40 are idle!).
The American Film Institute rated this film as #31 among it's "Top 100 Movies". Six years ago, film critic Roger Ebert called it "just about everyone's favorite Woody Allen movie". The film swept the 1977 Academy Awards winning BEST PICTURE: Charles H. Joffee & Jack Rollins; BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE: Diane Keaton; BEST DIRECTOR: Woody Allen; BEST WRITING, SCREENPLAY WRITTEN DIRECTLY FOR THE SCREEN: Woody Allen & Marshall Brickman. Allen was a no-show for the Oscars, claiming that the ceremony "meant nothing" to him. Not to be missed: The scene where Allen and Keaton are standing in a movie line with a loudmouth behind them trying desperately to impress his date. With today's lack of cell phone etiquette, this will resonate very strong! Yes, how many time have we all been in this situation, right? Anyhow, this is some light fare with good memories before we head towards the weekend and heat up the "Festival"._____
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ENJOY IT!
Happy Birthday Fred Rogers,
"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood"!
ENJOY IT!
Happy Birthday Fred Rogers,
"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood"!
(found on my Blogroll) to see Fred's "Goodbye".
Here is a short Tribute to Fred Rogers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlTjWUziZhg&feature=related
posted by Michael Manning @ 12:03 AM
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14 Comments:
One of my favorite Woody pictures. Definitely one to recommend!!!
A great film that takes me back to my college days
Lisa B! Coming from you, I consider that a great compliment. I'm smiling. Thanks!:)
Sage: Everything is hysterical about this film. I seemed to lose contact with Woody's films after they became intense and serious. He is a genius without a doubt. I knew he cast Jodie Foster, I believe, in "Shadows and Fog" but as for better or worse I haven't seen much beyond Manhattan, Annie Hall and such. My favorite was "Play it again Sam" where Tony Roberts comes out of character in the background and starts laughing during Allen's panic attack scene when a date tells him to turn down the stereo because she's getting a headache because it is probably going to rain. Allen says: "I love the rain...it washes MEMORIES off the sidewalks of life!" :D
A wonderful movie - we just saw it recently!
I lost count of how many times I've seen it - I always find something new to appreciate. The Woody Allen of the 70s is my favorite Woody Allen - I left out Allen and it didn't read right ;)
I've never cared for Woody Allen even before his divorce from Mia Farrow. But I love Diane Keaton back then because of her role in Looking For Mr. Goodbar, and recently in First Wive's Club and Something's Got To Give. I felt Annie Hall received the awards because Turning Point and Julia cancelled each other out.
I absolutely loved that movie. Woody was always great but in later years his personal life kinda turned me off. Dianne Keaton is great. The first wifes club was hysterical.
Ahhh the movie that launched the menswear for women fashion trend!
Seamus: Ah, I cut it too close! Glad you guys enjoyed it!!:)
dianne: I agree. The older movies appeal to me with the slap-stick comedy.
p m: Excellent observation! Two great movies--"Julia" and "Turning Point" with Anne Bancroft. Such great casting. Diane Keaton is beautiful!
minnesotablue: Yeah, I feel similarly and can't imagine being in Mia Farrow's shoes. Such a shocking event! I try to steer clear of it all. Mia is another great actress who Hollywood deliberately overlooks. Add to that Susan Anspach, Sigourney Weaver, and most especially Sondra Locke!
Hey Patti! Ha, ha!! How true! Although I can't see you dressed like Annie Hall, Maddie could pull it off! :D
Oh, misty colored memories (wait, that's a different movie of "The Way We Were"), but recalling this movie brings both to mind for nostalgic reasons and the unsaid...
Ironically, I looked up and saw that you also recommend "Julia." I LOVED that movie! The cineamatography alone is worth it. In all fairness, I only saw it once, but only because of funds.
It's on my list to share with my daughter when school lets out.I will add "Annie Hall" to that list. I love re-watching movies I've seen with her, especially because she introduces me to movies she has already seen!
Someday, when we meet in person, I may tell you an anecdote about Annie Hall. I was about to email you a few months ago b/c I'd be out in TX, but then you moved! Where you live now is another place I sometimes travel to.
Artistically,
Gel { * * }
Artstically Gel: I left Texas in 2003 and lived in Ohio until last December. I now reside in Phoenix. But let me know if you fly out here. We'll have a cup of java! :)
I didn't see this film until a couple of years ago, as I was trying to hit all the previous Oscar winners. It is a good film, and I think my favorite line was about the masturbation and having sex with someone you love:)
I should probably watch Annie Hall again. I saw it when it first came out and loved it - really resonated with the spider in the bathtub scene - but it has been a long time. I have a kind of happy glow thinking about it, so maybe it's time for a trip down memory lane.
Raven: You mean the spider "that was as big as a Buick"? :D))
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