Annie Hall

Annie Hall (1977)

Unlike The Pope of Greenwich Village, this is a classic that has really held up. I am growing to appreciate Woody Allen more as time goes on. On the surface, this is a very simple love story. But it reveals so many universal truths that it stays relevant. The comedy here is very low key and subtle, which leads me to enjoy it even more. Allen respects his viewers enough to not have to dumb down his writing. 

Even the ‘gimmicks’ in the film are well done. Allen will turn to the camera and acknowledges that we are watching. I also enjoyed when he would start talking to random people on the street as if they have been having a discussion with him already.

Allen is his usual nebbish self. Diane Keaton; this is why so many people fell in love with her. The shy, unassuming character is just so endearing. Tony Roberts is great as the buddy and Paul Simon is even interesting to watch. Christopher Walken was even a minor player in the movie as well.

For sure, this is one of the classics of American film. And deservedly so.