Remarkable, Innovative, Historic

Rating: 9/10 (4 May 2016)

Woody Allen's Annie Hall is arguably his best film. Annie Hall hit the big screen in 1977. Woody Allen directed the film and it was co-produced by Jack Rollins and Charles H. Joffe. The film stars Woody Allen and Diane Keaton as the principle characters Alvy Singer and Annie Hall respectively. The film Annie Hall is one of the most innovative movies of all time and is also in the conversation, as well as many other films, for the greatest film of all time. The film begins with Allen, alone in front of the camera, talking to the audience about the story they are about to watch unfold. The beginning in itself is revolutionary because audiences hadn't really connected with characters in a "face to face" setting before this film. The bulk of the movie is focused on Alvy Singer falling in love with a woman named Annie Hall. Their relationship is quite tentative and unbalanced throughout the film and it ultimately leads to the demise of the relationship. Alvy tries to fill the void in his life with women who don't really mean much to him. He is married twice before meeting Annie and neither of the women seem to please him. He makes excuses throughout his marriages but fails to realize his excuses are the result of him wanting something more. Then he meets Annie. Everything seems to make sense for Alvy when he meets Annie. The fall instantly in love and Annie seems to be everything he ever needed. The main issue between the two is that Alvy obsesses over death while Annie is all about the beauty of life. Problems begin to sneak in to the relationship, of course, when Annie wants to move in with him. Alvy blatantly hesitates at the idea and that bothers Annie because she truly loves him and doesn't understand why he hesitates. Alvy also dislikes both facts that Annie needs to smoke marijuana to have sex with him as well as her lack of higher education. Annie becomes attracted to one of her professors after Alvy persuades her to go to college. They argue and break up. Annie than realizes she misses him and they get back together. It doesn't work and they peacefully decide to leave each other. Annie moves to California to pursue a singing career and Alvy attempts to date another woman which doesn't work. Annie left a hole in his heart that he cannot fill. He flies to California to get back with Annie but she rejects him. He ends up in jail and the experience allows him to accept the friendship him and Annie decide on. They meet again in New York and Alvy sees her happy with another man. They meet for lunch, as friends, and reminisce on old times. The film ends with Alvy realizing that relationships are absurd but we need them to carry on. We have to accept them for what they are as well as what they are not. This film is a perfect combination of comedy, love, drama and resolution. The film is highly regarded for its shots and editing. Some of the shots are of Allen talking to the audience while the film is going on which, at the time, was a rather new occurrence. The editing was revolutionary as well because the producers added a scene of animation into the film which was unheard of in the 70's. The new additions to the film were risky but were ultimately the deciding factor in the film winning an Oscar for best film in 1977. This film was highly regarded by audiences and critics. Its innovations were well received and the storyline captured audiences across the nation. This is one of the best films I have ever seen and if given a chance to recommend it to someone else, I would in a heartbeat. I feel as though I not only enjoyed the film, but I actually learned from the film. Annie Hall is an inspiration and shows that without that one person we are looking for, we are not completely whole. Annie Hall is one for the ages.