Annie Hall
Annie Hall
Alvy Singer, a divorced Jewish comedian, reflects on his relationship with ex-lover Annie Hall, an aspiring nightclub singer, which ended abruptly just like his previous marriages.
Eric Bakke reviewedNovember 4, 2024
Woody Allen’s Annie Hall certainly stands as a landmark in cinematic history, blending groundbreaking storytelling with quirky humor and rich character development. Watching it for the first time today, it's easy to see why it was so revolutionary in 1977. Allen's playfully unconventional approach to romance, narrative structure, and breaking the fourth wall must have felt like a breath of fresh air back then. Diane Keaton’s portrayal of Annie, with her bubbly, free-spirited charm, anchors the film and makes it feel timeless.
The film’s blend of intellectual humor and emotional vulnerability really stands out, making it both relatable and refreshing. The way it flips between past and present, mixing humor with self-reflection, was something audiences hadn’t really seen before. With that said, even with all the innovation and wit, Annie Hall doesn’t quite make it into my personal Top 10 romantic comedies. While its influence can’t be overstated, it didn’t hit the same emotional (or comedic) highs for me as some other classics.
Also, as much as I appreciate the movie, I still can't wrap my head around it beating Star Wars for Best Picture. Sure, Annie Hall is a groundbreaking piece of cinema, but Star Wars redefined an entire genre and pop culture in ways few films have ever managed.