Annie Hall (1977)

One of the most charming 

romantic-comedies of all time.

Woody Allen's Annie Hall is one of the most beloved movies of the entire 1970's. It is a charming, poignant and genuinely hilarious slice of magic. Probably the most perfect romantic-comedy ever made. So why is it so damn good?

Well to start, Woody Allen is unbelievably likable as Alvy Singer. He is both a deplorable narcissistic arsehole, and a lovable neurotic . Allen manages to show the character in both lights, not shying a way from showing some of Singer's terrible behavior. However we still find the character likable, this is due to his wry charms and direct relationship with the audience, often addressing them directly to give his own  hilariously cynical and depressed outlook on the world. Diane Keaton is also fantastic as the titular Annie Hall, offering a warmer and more humane counterpoint to Singer. The film focuses entirely on exploring the relationship of these two characters, a relationship which the outstanding script captures perfectly. Honestly, this film's acting and wonderful script makes it an almost unfair viewing experience. You are totally helpless before Allen's Herculean charms and wit, succumbing within moments to the film's unbelievable amounts of personality.

The film's interesting relationship with the fourth wall also plays a key role in it's effectiveness. Alvy Singer will often address the audience directly, pausing the narrative o give insight, or to simply make some hilarious jokes. In particular a scene wherein Singer takes a film snob aside in a movie line, chastises him, and then introduces him to the director he was badmouthing (all during one of these pauses), is one of the funniest gags I have ever seen in a film. I do not wish to spoil anymore of the wondrous things that happen in this silly little movie, but rest assured that after Enter the Void, this was the perfect way of reinvigorating me.

Annie Hall was a lot of fun throughout, however the film truly became an all time great for me with it's magnificent ending. Its dry and reserved, yet hopeful outlook on love and relationships was something I have never quite seen before. Allen displays both a worn exasperation in regards to love, and yet still a wistful reverence of the time spent between him and Annie. It was on of the best downbeat endings I have seen in a comedy, a totally satisfying and smile inducing conclusion to a wonderful film. I am 100% satisfied with the time I spent with Annie Hall, and Allen more than earned his high ranking on my recent top 40 list.

By Jack D. Phillips

A Zoom Film List