Comic Relief by Woody Allen

Rating: Null/10 (10 May 2003)

Woody Allen's Annie Hall is an outstanding accomplishment in filmmaking that portrays a simple, romantic foundation to create a dramatic portrait of not only 70's pop culture, but of the human nature. Throughout the movie, we see how the course of Alvy and Annie's relationship turns out and his past loves in his life. Weaving flashbacks of his failed relationships illustrated the differences between his past and present with Annie. The sarcastic humor and comedy not only enlightens the film, but the characters as well. Woody Allen plays the role of Alvy Singer who is a neurotic, death obsessed comedian who has trouble with his love life. His ironic humor and drama seem to make his love life incomplete and difficult to deal with. This holds true through different parts of his life until he meets Annie Hall. Annie is portrayed as a beautiful cheerful person who wants more out of life, but not for sure what. Eventually the romantic buildup begins between a pure Midwestern girl and a strong New York Jew who grew up under a roller coaster. There likes and interests seem to oppose one another, but their love holds them together. For example, Alvy has been seeing a therapist for sixteen years where Annie only needed one session. Annie wants to pursue her singing career where Alvy is a withdrawn rascal. The times they spend together seem never-ending as their happiness together seems to increase by the moment. By the end, Annie enlightens Alvy's life for only a short moment as his selfishness and conceded persona shows him how relationships are a win-loose situation. You try to give the best of yourself and take the bad features of the other in small doses. Alvy also learns that certain times and actions with a person can only last once. When Annie and Alvy were struggling with the live lobsters on the floor, they both were laughing and having a great time. After they broke up, Alvy unsuccessfully recreates the live lobsters on the floor with an uninterested girl illustrating no laughter or comedy. Even though their love was solid at times, their differences were too strong to continue the relationship. Annie was just too alive for Alvy portrayed by her love for the Los Angles weather compared to Alvy's rejection to leave dreary New York. Eventually, their relationship ends quietly as they part on their own paths. The story does not end like a fairy tale like Alvy dreamed it would be, but he learns to deal with his failure and other relationships in his life. Alvy's slapstick behavior combined with romantic relationships did not work shown through different stages of his life. Annie and Alvy seemed perfect for each other throughout their relationship, but also terrible for each other in ways already explained. This is a story not completely about a relationship between two people, but also on drugs, East Coast/West Coast rivalry, human nature, and religion which makes Annie Hall a masterpiece.