Woody Allen

[Touring Mars]

Woody Allen is a love him or hate him type figure, and it seems one can't have a conversation about his movies without also discussing his personal life, a bitter irony given that his best movies often dealt with the topic of relationships, insecurity, personal issues, and a recurring theme in his work is the idea of 'art imitating life'. Allen's films are undeniably a mixed bag, and some are probably best avoided - but within his back catalogue there is infact a great deal of diversity, and no shortage of critical acclaim. Allen has been nominated for the Best Director Academy Award no less than 6 times, and winning once... So here's some clips from my favourite Woody Allen films - comments/recommendations (either of other Allen films, or just films in a similar genre) are welcome 👍

Annie Hall (1977)​

Woody Allen's most "autobiographical" film charts the rise and fall of a significant relationship, while putting it into the broader context of his character in general. IMO, this film is a masterpiece and these clips probably don't do it justice. The range of techniques used and the excellence of the screenplay were enough to win him the 1978 Best Picture Academy Award (and hence stopping George Lucas from winning it with Star Wars!).​

Hannah And Her Sisters (1982)​

Another Best Director and Best Screenplay Oscar nominated film, and another film focusing on relationships and infidelity in particular. Michael Caine won an Oscar for his part in the film, but for me the star of the show is Allen's brilliantly funny dialogue.​

Manhattan (1979)

Perhaps not one of my favourite films (not by a long way!) but this is maybe one of Allen's most iconic scenes...




Broadway Danny Rose (1984)​

Probably my favourite Allen film behind "Annie Hall", this film is a story about a struggling agent on Broadway and his most successful act, an Italian-American crooner who is having an affair with the wife of a mafiaso. It's one of the few Allen films that I cannot find fault with, a light-hearted and ultimately moving story...​

Sleeper (1973)​

Classic slapstick comedy, set in the year 2173, a nightmarish futuristic vision coupled with daft humour and Woody Allen's own soundtrack of ragtime jazz music - don't ask me how, but it works for me! The comedy in this film is really pretty basic - people falling over, ridiculous situations etc. - so maybe not one for the movie buffs...​

Play It Again, Sam (1972)​

Originally performed as a play, it doesn't quite work as a film, and the acting is forced and stilted... however, it's very funny and the original "cringeworthy" comedy film that perhaps anyone could relate to to atleast some extent.​

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