Boz
Published writer
Posts: 1,451
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Post by Boz on Jan 18, 2007 22:33:31 GMT
Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989/Allen) Really enjoyable. My 3rd Allen, suprisingly effective dramatically, but the trademark Allen brand of comedy is still there. Great performances by the whole cast, especially Landau. Allen continues to explore matters of subconcious and memory cinematically, resulting in some really interesting situations and scenes. Allen also continues to delve into the parallels betwen film and life, whether it be scenes in the films he's watching effecting his mood, mimicking events in his life, or even a little self-homage by having his neice being dressed like his Annie Hall character from 12 years earlier.
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Boz
Published writer
Posts: 1,451
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Post by Boz on Jan 20, 2007 6:04:05 GMT
After some further contemplation I'm beginning to like this film more and more.
There's a great moment in which Martin Landau's character is pacing around his darkened house at night during a thunderstorm, debating whether or not to give the ok for his jealous mistress to be killed. He slowly proceeds into his living room, light dimly by a smoldering fire, and seems to think aloud to himself, asking himself the question of whether he can really do what he's about to do. Then from the darkness appears his rabbi friend who we've been earlier introduced to, existing only in Landau's mind, but speaking to him as literally the voice of God/reason.
Like I said in my original review, suprisingly effective drama, balanced expertly with trademark Allen black comedy.
Highly recommended.
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Capo
Administrator
Posts: 7,847
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Post by Capo on Apr 2, 2007 20:53:14 GMT
Crimes and MisdemeanorsWoody Allen 1989 USA An unsuccessful director and eye surgeon deal with their marital crises in different ways.
Allen in ambitious mood, and successful too, portraying two parallel tragedies in a casually shaped narrative - it's never overbearing in drawing up similarities, and seems to achieve 'black comedy' status with ease, due to performances, due to writing, due to colourful cinematography and wise editing. It's very cynical, very complex, very well-acted, and its outrageous situations are grounded in a deeply serious way of presentation, not present in his other films, save for perhaps Match Point[/i] (2004).
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