Annie Hall (1977)

Still image from Annie Hall

Annie Hall was a ground-breaking romantic comedy from Woody Allen, which presents a deeply personal and often insightful exploration of love and relationships. The film centers on the complicated relationship between Alvy Singer (Woody Allen), a neurotic and self-deprecating comedian, and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton), a quirky and independent free spirit. The film’s narrative is non-linear, jumping between past and present, often breaking the fourth wall to dig into Alvy’s inner thoughts and insecurities.

The film’s approach to storytelling is innovative and highly engaging, as we get a chance to view the relationship through the prism of Alvy’s skewed perspective. The constant shifts in time and perspective give a fragmented, and often disjointed feel to the narrative, as we see the relationship unfold from Alvy’s often unreliable viewpoint.

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Still image from Annie Hall.

The film uses its distinctive visual style and witty dialogue to explore the difficulties of modern relationships, while offering a humorous, yet insightful take on the nature of love and loss. The film doesn’t adhere to the standard tropes of the genre, but instead chooses to take a more nuanced and reflective approach, which serves to both elevate the film beyond the usual romantic comedy fare, and also add a more intellectual edge to the themes it explores. The way that the film frequently breaks the fourth wall, while sometimes seen as gimmicky, is an important storytelling device, giving us a direct line into Alvy’s mind. This technique also ensures that the film’s ideas remain at the forefront of the action.

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Allen’s performance as Alvy Singer is a key ingredient to the film’s overall success. His portrayal of a neurotic comedian is equal parts endearing and infuriating, and Allen is unafraid to show us the less palatable side of his character. Keaton is equally as good, and manages to create a character in Annie that is as iconic as any in cinema, providing a charm and depth that elevates her beyond the usual romantic lead.

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The on-screen chemistry between Allen and Keaton is undeniable and provides the film with its central driving force, making it feel more personal, and more heartfelt, than most films in the genre. While Annie Hall is considered a cornerstone of romantic comedy, its unique approach to storytelling and its willingness to explore more complex themes means that its appeal is undiminished by time. It remains a masterclass in film making, and one of the best films of all time.

Annie Hall released in 1977.
Studio: United Artists
Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen & Marshall Brickman
Main Cast: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.