Manhattan (1979)
Low level coarse language, Adult themes
| Director: | Woody Allen |
| Actors: | Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, Woody Allen, Michael Murphy, Mariel Hemingway, Anne Byrne |
Nominated for two Academy Awards in 1979, and considered "one of Allen's most enduring accomplishments" (Boxoffice), Manhattan is a wry, touching and finely rendered portrait of modern relationships against the backdrop of urban alienation. Sumptuously photographed in black and white (Allen's first film in that format), and accompanied by a magnificent Gershwin score, Woody Allen's aesthetic triumph is a "prismatic portrait of a time and a place that may be studied decades hence" (Time Magazine). 42-year-old Manhattan native Isaac David (Allen) has a job he hates, a seventeen-year-old girlfriend (Mariel Hemingway) he doesn't love, and a lesbian ex-wife Jill (Meryl Streep) who's writing a tell-all book about their marriage... and whom he'd like to strangle. But when he meets his best friend's sexy intellectual mistress, Mary (Diane Keaton), Isaac falls head over heels in lust! Leaving Tracy, bedding Mary, and quitting his job are just the beginning of Isaac's quest for romance and fulfilment in a city where sex is as intimate as a handshake - and the gateway to true love... is a revolving door.
| Status: | LongWait |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 96mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 2.35:1 16:9 Enhanced |
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Member Reviews (19)
19 Member
Reviews
The Duke
says
Classic Woody Allen. Very wordy and often at a cerebral level which seems to be his take on the artsy intellegentsia he must have been surrounded by in his career.
Great to see such a young Dianne Keaton and such a fresh and wow so glamourous Meryl Streep - her beauty and talent make for a powerful mix.
Don
says
This film really has not aged well. I mean that, both physically and artistically. Physically, the volume varies widely, the Gershwin music is far too loud for the relatively softly spoken dialog. The New York City scenes are grimy and crowded-- certainly in keeping with the very low key pessimism/depresiveness which constitutes the screenplay. Much of the film is at night, totally black screens abound. The film is almost entirely dialog. Woody Allen seems to be in his most self-obsessed period. Frankly, I was bored for much of the film.
Gail M.
says
my favourite movie of all time
Cathy A.
says
Some laugh out loud moments. Love Gershwin music.
Tony
says
A typical Woody Allen film of the time. An interesting insight into the times, which probably haven't changed that much. A splendid, gentle twist at the end.
W Roger K.
says
willow
says
I really think this is the Woody Allen film to put in a time capsule, it encapsulates everything about his films that you both love and hate. Woody plays his most honest, autobiographical character ever. Whatever his failings, this film tells you that he knows all about them. Mariel Hemmingway as his 17 year old lover is wonderful, she was definitely a lost talent in films. But, of course it is the scenes between Dianne Keaton and Woody that give the film its truth. It is funny, sad, boring and tragic, just like life. The dialogue is so great and the human feelings and failings are very real. The movie also looks fantastic, atmospheric black and white accompanied by a beautiful Gershwin soundtrack. A valentine to the city he so obviously loves.
Peter S.
says
Didn't do it for me, perhaps I just don't "get" the Allen style of humour.
Bruce R.
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David S.
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Steve R.
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Paul M.
says
Self absorbed.
Anthony H.
says
Hilarious & beautifully shot
Jan M.
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G Peter Beauchamp
says
Rebecca
says
I think one has to be in the mood for Woody - he can be a bit trying at times.
Peter Harris
says
Peter Court
says
If you like Woody films, viewing this movie is mandatory.
An excellent choice for the uninitiated also.
Kathryn Ivey
says
Oldie but goldie