Manhattan (1979) Directed by Woody Allen. Starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton and Mariel Hemingway. One of my absolute favorite films, that I will never stop rewatching. Here are my 5 Favorite Things about Manhattan.
5. Along with Annie Hall, this masterpiece from Woody Allen was just released on Blu-Ray!! (According to Jess, I am now a Blu-Ray junkie)
4. I’m a sucker for a good love story. As a total hopeless romantic, this film speaks to me as I’ve been in similar situations.
3. It’s a gorgeous black and white film and Woody’s first film in widescreen.
2. It’s a Woody Allen film. With each film I’ve seen of his, I become more and more a fan. His dialogue is sharp and personal and his characters are superbly complex. Even with his latest, Midnight in Paris, Woody’s films never come off as stale or tired, no matter how many times they are viewed. Manhattan is no exception. Viewing after viewing I still find myself mesmerized.
1. Some of the most amazing use of classical music in a film I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen, well, heard, such a masterful use of Gershwin in a film before. The music becomes another character as it adds level upon level of emotion. The first four minutes alone are astounding shots establishing New York City as a character along with the gorgeous soundtrack. One of the highlights of the film is Ike’s final conversation with Tracy as Gershwin swoons and cries in the background. Absolutely amazing!
