Annie "Miserable" Hall

Rating: 7/10 (28 April 2006)

While viewing the film Annie Hall there was no doubt in my mind that it was an actual autobiography of the protagonist and director Woody Allen. Although he uses the name Alvy Singer, and much denied it after the film's release, I am convinced that the film is a portrayal of Allen's life. Although I have no exclusive evidence for my conviction, whether the film was an autobiography or not isn't the point. The point is that I am convinced the film is autobiographical, which is what I consider to be the aim of the film. I believe Allen was trying to relay aspects of his life, while adding fictional twists to the film. These fictional parts were very evident; the "if life were only like this.." excerpts, the very well synced doubling of clips scene, and the subtitles revealing the character's thoughts.
Alvy began his life as a "stupid little kid". From the beginning I got the impression that Alvy is just a hostile person who over-complicates situations. He is always on the brink of making a comment, and only needs the slightest push to be sent over the edge. One of the finest examples of this was during a date between Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) and Alvy. The two are standing in line at a theater, and although the man behind them is speaking loudly, Alvy can't help but fixate on his conversation because he believes the man is speaking of things he does not know about. Alvy over indulges in people's smallest faults or what he believes to be faults. He is also a walking contradiction. He skews his views to be that which only favors himself. He pressures Annie to attend college, and when she becomes too close to a professor, he calls the institution stupid and states that it's only a bunch of mental masturbation.
An interesting aspect of the film was Alvy's profession. He is a successful comedian, yet he never indulges in his after show glory or any recognition he receives. This was hard for me to grasp at first, but as the film progressed I slowly understood that Alvy is inherently driven into his profession. Alvy is a cynic; therefore the comedic niche is perfect for him. I believe if he sought any other profession he would slip slowly into insanity or end up going on a shooting rampage. Comedy is his outlet.
The contrast between New York City and Los Angeles was incredibly obvious. New York City is presented as being gritty, over populated, and loud. Compared to other films of this time, I found NYC to very much cleaner than its usual trash littered reputation of the seventies. Putting this aside, when the film shifts to California there is a definite change in ambiance, physically and socially. It is sunny all the time, people are most commonly dressed in bright clothes, and the streets are immaculately maintained. As for the people themselves, they are vacuous and materialistic. The scene in which Alvy's friend, Rob, is editing his sitcom is a prime example of the cheapness of the L.A. lifestyle. He edits the show by dubbing laughs! By the end of the film Alvy is left alone due to the "mutual" break-up between him and Annie. Alvy quickly regrets the decision, and makes a not quite honest attempt to get Annie back. He fails, yet filters his anguish through writing a play about the botched relationship he had. Although I felt bad for Alvy, I couldn't help but come to the conclusion that Alvy is a "miserable" person, and no one wants to be with a miserable person.