Movie Recommendation of the Week: Annie Hall

ANNIE HALL, 1977

~ Starring ~
Woody Allen
Diane Keaton
Tony Roberts
Paul Simon
Shelley Duvall
Christopher Walken


~ Awards ~
Oscar for Best Actress
Oscar for Best Director
Oscar for Best Picture
Oscar for Best Screenplay

~ Synopsis ~

Alvy Singer (Allen) is one of Manhattan's most brilliant comedians, but when it comes to romance, his delivery needs a little work. Introduced by his best friend, Rob (Tony Roberts), Alvy falls in love with the ditzy but delightful nightclub singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). When his own insecurities sabotage the affair, Annie is forced to leave Alvy for a new life--and lover (Paul Simon)--in Los Angeles. Knowing he may have lost Annie forever, Alvy's willing to go to any lengths--even driving LA's freeways--to recapture the only thing that ever mattered...true love.

~ Why I'm Recommending It ~

• A well conceived "rom-com" that deconstructs the genre (so if you're not into sappy Kate Hudson/Matthew McConaughey romances but wouldn't mind a little fuzzy feeling, this delivers).
• Allen breaks the mold with his direct address to the audience and other unique features to analyze the depth of a relationship. One of the first films to ever do so.
• Keaton and Allen are an irresistible pair, and you really care about their characters throughout the film.
• Neurosis and Judaism are a wonderful combination.
• The "Annie Hall kiss." You have to watch it to know what it's about ;)

RATING