Celluloid Memories

Rating: 10/10 (28 July 2006)

Whether a relationship is good or bad it is almost impossible to forget. There are those that leave lasting impressions and those that hardly scratch the surface, but all leave something behind. There are memories of the good times, memories of the bad times, memories of the times you wished you did something different, and memories of the things you want to take back. If only there was a way to revisit the past.
Woody Allen uses the best tool available: film. Through film, Allen shows us what happened prior, during, and after his relationship with Annie Hall in the film of the same name that turned Allen into a real film maker. Allen wrote, directed, and starred in this odd romance. Allen and Diane Keaton star as Alvy and Annie, a couple living in New York City. Alvy is a fairly well known comedian and Keaton is a singer. This isn't a linear storyline by any means. The film begins with the end and Alvy saying what is going on and how he got there. From there it is a glimpse at his childhood and the events leading up to his relationship with Annie.
Allen's witty, neurotic sense of humor makes the smallest of difficulties seem monumental. Cooking lobster or trying to have sex becomes of war of words with the wise cracking Alvy. Unlike a normal storyline, this is all a flashback. Allen is telling the story as a narrator, but not in the usual way of narrating. In the midst of a scene Allen will pull away from the film and talk to the audience, as do other characters on the street.
Allen's performance is superb. Keaton, who received an Academy Award for her role, is a free spirited, strong willed companion for Allen. Coupled with Allen's knack for writing, the two comic giants feed off of each other's energy to present a wonderful, dynamic couple. No clichÃ© conversations, no unnecessary scenes, just what is needed to tell this modern love story. Allen stays away from the standard formula of making a romantic comedy, instead breaking the mold for the genre.
Annie Hall works on many levels. Its unique presentation of the story, the Academy Award Winning screenplay, its timeless characters, and of course, Woody Allen, for whom this film wouldn't be possible. Without Allen's inspiration, Annie Hall would have fallen in line with all the other love story's and become just another title in the sea that is cinema.
Winner of four Academy Awards (actress, screenplay, director, picture), Annie Hall has made it's mark on the art of film making. It continues to be hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time, including this critic.
Allen has directed over 40 pictures, all with there own unique style and flare. Annie Hall, without a doubt, is the film that will be remembered. It gave the world something to laugh at and understand.