Some experience required

Rating: 9/10 (3 June 2012)

It is a common feature of myself to allow some films simmer after I watch them, meaning taking a significant amount of time before I sit down and begin to review them. Woody Allen's Annie Hall is definitely one of those films that needs to come to a full stop before I can fully analyze it. Getting up from it, I was convinced that I had seen something relating to the concept of "art," but couldn't quite magnify it in a reasonable context. I think I finally found the proper way.
The plot is paper thin, with characters who make up the structure of the picture by their eclectic personalities. Woody Allen is Alvy Singer, a neurotic, self-loathing comedian always putting himself on the lower end of the pedestal. He meets Annie Hall (Keaton), a beautiful, refreshingly different woman, one who dreams of being a devout singer, who seems to be just what Alvy needs; an outgoing, adventurous, yet too somewhat neurotic, woman, fearlessly different and shamelessly content.
Inevitably, Alvy's paranoia consumes him, and his angst towards people and society, which leads to a certain hesitation with dating Annie. She seems to be almost too good for Alvy in the respect that he is so jittery and paranoid, that she deserves better, and he deserves inferior. He explains that among other points through the film's most unique features. As a method to actually talk to the audience, Allen's character will provide narrations, give lengthy monologues to the camera, bravely breaking the fourth wall, showing us brilliantly crafted fantasies (one of the funniest takes place in a movie theater), and even giving us a well drawn animated sequence.
One can see why the film bested Star Wars for the Best Picture win in 1977. The Academy always seeks out the most diversely original and esthetically different picture, and they always try and tactfully avoid giving out awards to a big budget blockbuster, much like how The Hurt Locker bested Cameron's Avatar in 2009.
As a whole, Annie Hall is a delight, but I believe it's one of those films that will become better, at least for me, with age and personal experience. It seems that at this point in time, I haven't hit the proper notes to be able to personally connect with this film, in terms of being self-conscious in a relationship and constant fear of societal inferiority because of motifs. While I thoroughly enjoyed Annie Hall, and found the performances, writing, and direction and tone to be all of top notch and commendable status, the personal connection, which I believe the film depends rather heavily on, is unfortunately not present. I can see this being revisited optimistically in ten or so years with experience.
Starring: Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. Directed by: Woody Allen.