Alvi (Woody Allen) explains his trials and tribulations of his relationship with his girlfriend Annie (Dianne Keaton)

Rating: 7/10 (16 February 2009)

Academy award winning film "Annie Hall" immediately introduces us to Alvi (Allen), with his trials and tribulations with Annie (Keaton). From the beginning of the film, he breaks the fourth wall by talking directly to the audience so we can establish a connection with his character. His quirky personality and comedic jokes ("don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love") produces a cheerful atmosphere and allows the audience to favor him. The film uses a non-linear narrative which assists in portraying the awkward and sporadic relationship between them. He continuously criticizes everything he encounters with his witty remarks, which is why I get the sense that Woody Allen is playing himself as his character seems so natural and carefree. This steers away from the predictable formula of a Hollywood film as it opens with Alvi informing us of his break up with Annie. The film generates a realistic appearance since the characters feel natural and unglamorous, unlike a typical Hollywood film.