Transcends genre and time.

Rating: 8/10 (16 February 2009)

Annie Hall is a story about intimate relationships where Woody Allen breaks down the fourth wall, and talks directly to the camera, which at first glance appears awkward, but later conforms to the average movie goers comfort level when he pulls out a person playing himself from behind a life size cardboard figure. The story is shot in New York, and then transfers to Los Angeles for a short time. There is a comparison of each city's lifestyles which is very interesting. It appears that Allen dislikes LA more than New York because of his negative depiction of the bright sun suit his good friend wears to "keep healthy", and Allens negative rant about how LA always gives awards out.
The writing is presented in a way which conveys Allen's unique perspective on life, and his courage is displayed to the world when he compares the old Marx brothers joke by saying, "Maybe I don't want her because I don't want to be part of a club who would have me as a member". We can better understand his dilemma dealing with relationships. This frankness makes him more lovable and able to connect with. Another example of great writing is when the captions appear during a conversational scene between Woody Allen and Keaton. Most people have experienced this subtext when we deal with human interaction, so we can relate with the actual on screen translation of their thoughts.
The acting is some of the best out of all of Woody Allen's movies. The real life concurrent relationship Allen had with Diane Keaton (Annie Hall) helps to convey a true on screen relationship. The gift the audience will receive is a unique relationship we can all relate to. Perhaps most subtle is the performances by Christopher Walken, whom creates one of the funniest scenes ever to be captured on the big screen. It is typical for Allen to create awkward tension between himself and other women, but seldom has he written such an endearing thoughtful film which has transcended genre and time.