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What did you think of Annie Hall on a rewatch?

posted 11 years ago by RyanCShowers
4 replies | jump to latest

http://feelthefilms.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/revisiting-annie-hall/

Upon my second viewing of Annie Hall, I found Woody Allen's screenplay, direction, and his acting contribution with Diane Keaton affirmed my admiration I had for it initially. It's a great film and a masterpiece of its time, and I think it's modern enough to be appreciated by film fans today. Annie Hall is about communication, truth, and the pain of living.

Annie Hall breaks down the third wall between the movie and the audience at many different times and in many different ways. Talking straight into the camera, split screened discussion about the same topic from different perspectives, creative shots to make things more literal; they're all brilliant and Allen's imagination should be rejoiced. What Allen does with all of these storytelling methods is he tries to be as honest as he possibly can telling the story of this romance. The truth is more evident the second time around, after you've overcome the comedy of Allen's communication techniques.

The biggest moment of impact on a rewatch was the film's conclusion. For being such a funny film, Annie Hall finishes its 93 minute running time by arousing a tick in the human condition that we are lonely. We have to part ways from things and people we love and the pain may never go away, even so, you have to learn to live with it. Everyone is lonely in some way and Allen doesn't shy away from telling us that. I have certainly felt that crushed spirit that sends the film off, it's an honest fact about life. Annie Hall is a product of its time. I would've loved to have been around at the time of its release, follow it through the success, and support it through the Oscar season.

Feel the Films: A Blog by R.C.S. -> http://feelthefilms.wordpress.com/

[–] La_Marseillaise 11 years ago

Your comments are well-written. I watched this again last weekend for the first time in decades, and it really is a classic, easily standing the test of time. Diane Keaton was certainly a jewel of the 70s, and Allen's writing was never more clever.

Your last paragraph is spot on. Sadly.

[–] Blueghost 11 years ago

It's a good movie.

But I still prefer Star Wars.

[–] bringbackberniew 9 years ago

Deep nostalgia, including for before Woody began falling apart

[–] Quicksilver1900 8 years ago

I didn't think Alvy/Woody's act of talking-judging-complaining non-stop was charming or endearing or funny. In some ways, he reminded me of Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm, which isn't surprising as they have much the same background. But Larry is more relaxed, less neurotic and doesn't talk all the time.