Woody Allen’s 1979 picture, Manhattan, is a study in contrasts, a bittersweet love letter to New York City that also pokes fun at its intellectual elite. It’s a film as gorgeous as it is neurotic, as funny as it is profoundly sad. Allen, who also directs, stars as Isaac Davis, a 42-year-old television comedy writer, mired in a midlife crisis. He’s dating a 17-year-old girl, Tracy, played with a disarming sweetness by Mariel Hemingway, a relationship that feels both uncomfortable and oddly innocent.
The black and white cinematography, courtesy of Gordon Willis, is simply breathtaking. It captures the iconic skyline, the bustling streets, and the quiet moments with a stunning beauty. The film, set against a backdrop of Gershwin’s score, becomes a character itself. It’s a postcard of a time and place, a love letter to the city’s enduring charm and the contradictions of the human condition. It’s a movie about finding yourself, even when you’re not sure where to look.
The narrative shifts focus when Isaac meets Mary Wilke, portrayed by Diane Keaton, the sharp-tongued, sometimes pretentious mistress of his best friend, Yale, portrayed by Michael Murphy. Their banter is witty and cynical, filled with the kind of intellectual sparring that feels both exhausting and exhilarating. It’s a whirlwind of complicated relationships, philosophical musings, and personal insecurities. The dynamic between Isaac, Tracy, and Mary forms the core of the picture, with each character acting as a foil for the others. Isaac’s struggle to be a “good” person is at the heart of the picture. He can’t commit to an adult relationship, but he also fears being alone and seems incapable of being honest, especially with himself.
Allen’s direction is masterful; he allows the actors to breathe and inhabit their roles with a naturalism rarely seen in films of this era. He extracts remarkable performances from the entire cast. Meryl Streep portrays Isaac’s ex-wife, Jill, who is about to publish a tell-all book about their marriage, with a cool, detached menace, while Anne Byrne is Yale’s wife, Emily. Their interactions are at times humorous, often cutting. It’s a film that balances comedy and melancholy with an exceptional level of skill. It’s not just about romance; it’s about the messy reality of relationships, the compromises we make, and the search for something real amidst the noise of modern life.
Manhattan isn’t afraid to be critical of its characters. They are flawed, selfish, and prone to making poor choices, yet there’s a vulnerability to them that makes them relatable, even when they’re at their worst. The picture doesn’t tie everything up neatly; instead, it leaves you pondering the questions it raises, the choices we make and the impact they have on others.
Name of Movie is a United Artists production.
Release Date: 1979
Director: Woody Allen
Cast: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemingway, Michael Murphy, Meryl Streep.
