Gloss-Free Neurotic Romance

Rating: 8/10 (12 April 2019)

(Flash Review)
For those who can't stand a babbling, cynical, neurotic, intellectual person then take three steps back and run. Run far. For those who can, they will enjoy a film full of heavy dialog that takes center stage. Allen portrays a too brainy for his own good Alvie, in an up and down relationship with Annie Hall. From the start, this is turmoil-filled due to his self-sabotage that is full of his obsessive and neurotic tendencies. He has such a constant negative and pessimistic view is everything large to small that he drives the females he wants to pursue slowly away. Alvie is obviously frustrating and irritating to watch as he shares his options and concerns. While this is not a visually intriguing film, Allen does add dashes of cinematic whimsy as he directs characters occasionally to step out of the scene and talk directly into the camera, called an "aside". Will Alvie be able to hold down a relationship with Annie who actually likes him or will he driver her away and himself back into therapy? Overall, this is a rapid fire, intellectual-based script in pure 70s style.