Slightly Overrated, But Still A Great Film

Rating: 8/10 (23 April 2006)

Woody Allen's neuroses and introspection were never so finely presented as they are in the classic 'Annie Hall'.
He stars as Alvy Singer, a paranoid New Yorker comedian Jew with a decidedly neurotic view on life. After breaking up with his girlfriend Annie Hall (Diane Keaton, in an Oscar-winning performance), Alvy recounts their relationship, his life and his problems.
This is one of those 'stream of consciousness' films that viewers began to lap up in the 70's. There is a very little narrative structure to the thing, and Allen breaks many boundaries. He often speaks directly to the camera, asking questions of the viewer as well as himself. Animation and out-of-body experiences are also present in this odd mix of a film. I can't really put my finger on what distinguishes this film as a classic, apart from Diane Keaton's wonderful performance and the great script.
At times it is overly neurotic and veers off into unnecessary places, but Keaton brings us back every time. I enjoyed the film most when Annie was at the forefront, being all quirky and nonsensical. The overall product is bittersweet, with Alvy reminiscing the good times he has had with Annie but realising things cannot go back to what they once were. He's a Pygmalion figure, moulding and teaching Annie Hall, but inevitably she outgrows him and must move on. Still, the experience was worth it for Alvy and Allen's overall message is clear: Love's worth it, even if it hurts.