Annie Hall

Absolutely genius. i would never have thought a script this perfect is possible

Woody Allen at his best: baring his insecurities and shortcomings, muttering and mumbling his way through a string of sharp, witty statements, experimenting with film techniques, admiring the lost landscape of 1970s New York and, still, finding time for a rich, colorful portrayal of a years-long romance.

Allen and Diane Keaton really make the film work, their rapport is so smooth, easy and genuine. We want to see them tough it out together, because their good times are so pure and true, but we know that fresh infatuation has a relatively short shelf life and the characters' essential differences make a longer, more serious relationship impossible. We see it all in a string of short snapshots, an expert mix of vital moments that anyone who's been through such a whirlwind will no doubt recognize. Those early, sunny memories you won't forget and the later, stormier ones you can't.

Funny and poignant, with a dash of playful fourth-wall recognizance to keep us on our toes, it expertly churns all sorts of universal emotions.

This film tends to receive some unnecessary hate from nerd bro manbabies who are still frustrated by this taking home Best Picture instead of _Star Wars_. Sure, that film might've had the bigger culture impact in the long term, but would we even have the mumblecore genre if it wasn't for movies like _Annie Hall_? I think the Academy actually had it at the right end this once as _Annie Hall's_ longevity and quality are undeniable. It's that rare romcom that's intelligently written, honest and avoids all of the tired clichés that are associated with this genre. I laughed a lot, mostly because Allen integrates quite a few different comedic styles in his writing here (e.g. absurdism; postmodernism; satire). Despite him having a reputation for being too inaccessible or highbrow for the masses, this movie doesn't feel up its own ass to me. In fact, his observations about relationships I find quite relatable, and he never draws conclusions that feel too obvious or safe. The acting's great, and even though Allen's filmmaking style isn't very showy, his editing and camera placement do a good job at emphasizing the details in the performances. For example, the wide tracking shots feel like the right choice as a lot of Allen's acting is found in his body language. On top of that, the postmodern approach leads to some other interesting stylistic choices. Honestly I don't think there are many issues with it; it's aged really well as a result of making the right artistic choices at every turn.

9/10

Annie Hall: "It's so clean out here."

Alvy Singer: "That's because they don't throw their garbage away, they turn it into television shows."

If someone ever asked me what some of the best screenplays are out there, the first would be ‘Pulp Fiction’ and the second being ‘Annie Hall’. A remarkable movie, unlike anything before or since. The visual storytelling adds to the sharp comedic charm. A prime example of life imitates art.

‘Annie Hall’ is a romantic comedy that defies movie conventions. It’s no Hollywood fluff, nor is it a depressing soap drama. It’s a movie that looks at the ups and downs of relationships, because relationships aren't that black and white. It finds the right balance that you rarely get. It politely destroys your fantasies by introducing a little reality.

I know Woody Allen is a controversial figure, especially in our times, but I will be dishonest to myself if I did not think this guy is a freaking genius, in terms of his film making and writing.

The chemistry between Annie (Diane Keaton) and Alvy (Woody Allen) can be best described as complicated. Alvy is an New York Jew who thinks out loud about his likes and dislikes with a timorous attitude, which 16 years of therapy seems to keep him grounded. While Annie is a Midwestern girl who is aspired to be a singer. An unlikely relationship that you would not expect to see, but a memorable one either way. The brilliant thing about it is that you totally believe in the relationship.

Diane Keaton was absolutely mesmerising in this movie and deserved that Oscar win for her performance. There’s a scene in this movie where we see Annie sing the song ‘Seems Like Old Times’ at a bar in a two-minute uncut shot. No cut away to the audience reactions or anything, the camera is locked onto her and the film lets the song play out. Besides her beautiful singing voice, she is doing some of the best eye acting I have ever seen. Watching it felt like a hypnosis, it puts you in a trance.

The writing and directing from Woody Allen were just superb. It is a “lighting in a bottle” type of situation that not even Allen himself could top it, nor does he need to. There is not a line unquotable or a word wasted. The visual gags are simply hilarious and extremely clever. The jokes themselves are not played for cheap laughs, but because there are funny and sometimes go beyond that.

The movie doesn’t just focus on relationships, but narcissism, drugs, politics, and religion in 70’s society. Whatever was on Allen’s mind at the time that he could not contain in his head.

Overall rating: We need those eggs

My first Woody Allen film and I was very much impressed. Realistic and believable in a way that most rom-coms nowadays aren’t. It’s easy to see why Allen’s talents as a director, writer and actor are held in such high regard.

Great movie.
Woody Allen creates a weird relationship with the viewer. You start to mix the actor, the narrator, and the director into the same entity. This results in a deeply personal story told in an experimental way.
Diane Keaton has a cutsy role.

I have seen this movie several times and really enjoyed it. I had recently finished my outdoor theater and decided that it would be appropriate for this film to be the first that I would watch outside. And.... it wasn't as great as I remembered it to be. I am not even sure it is in my top 5 Allen movies. Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoyed it. It was just... not what I remembered.

https://IHateBadMovies.com

Up until now, I had actually never seen a Woody Allen movie. And I would say that "Annie Hall" is certainly a good place to start. There are a lot of things to be said about the director, but his humor, which is omnipresent here, is definitely timeless. The movie also has a good flow, an interesting narrative structure, and a phenomenal female lead in Diane Keaton. On a dramatic level, “Annie Hall” is perhaps not quite as convincing, but the relationship between the main characters Alvy (Allen) and Annie (Keaton) is so strong that it also evokes all kinds of emotions in the audience. The Oscar winner is accordingly a timeless classic that is well worth watching even today.

Allen's classic. A really good script, fresh... allenesc. Keaton excellent at acting. And Woody Allen with his multiple problems always reflected in his movies.

A true masterpiece from the great Woody Allen.
_Annie Hall_ follows the relationship between Alvy (Allen), and our titular character, Annie (Keaton), from beginning to end, with all the highs and lows.
The movie is able to be both timeless as well as a perfect time capsule of the '70s. Funny from start to finish, with the signature Woody Allen neurotic dark humor that is able to be funny while remaining honest about relationships.
Simply put: this is the way all romantic comedies should be.
I have to take a moment to mention Kane, and Duvall as Alvy's other love interests, both looking young and beautiful in the way that only women in the '70s could.
If you're a fan of Allen, this is a must watch, in fact, it's the best place to start. If you are looking for a flawless romantic comedy, and one that got it all right before the mainstream would ruin the formula, this is the one.