MovieChat Forums > Manhattan (1979) Discussion > Woody's homage to New York City, is not ...

Woody's homage to New York City, is not that beautiful.........

posted 9 years ago by rascal67
7 replies | jump to latest

......Gordon's Willis's beautiful b&w cinematography is. This is what makes this 'overrated' Allen film, a saving grace for me. Apart from that, can his off putting relationship with a 17 year old high school student and pretentious, self-absorbed, conceited characters, be considered a homage to NY? Many fans consider this homage to NY, Allen's masterpiece. Is it really?

Yes, it has some amusing moments and dialogue; but I feel his talents have been better utilized elsewhere. This film is Willis's baby and it is more his visual and aesthetic homage. Allen's script is dull, unappealing, sarcastic and even pseudo-intellectual, like he was trying to hard. It Lacks the warmth, spark, light and spontaneity of ANNIE HALL-77'.

[–] aaahmemories 9 years ago

like he was trying to hard

We're supposed to take seriously a critique of the writing by one of cinema's greatest geniuses from someone who can't distinguish between "to" and "too?" C'mon. At least put a tiny bit of effort into trolling.

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Religion is like a rocking chair -- a lot of work to get nowhere.

[–] rascal67 9 years ago

someone who can't distinguish between "to" and "too?"
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Whats wrong, huh? Did my comments push a button and you didn't like what I commented, so you have to correct my grammar? You wouldn't even know what a troll is, or maybe you should just try looking in the mirror. Offer a bit more insight—if capable— and then someone might take your own trolling seriously.

[–] aaahmemories 9 years ago

Did my comments push a button

Nah. Just your stoooooopidity.

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Religion is like a rocking chair -- a lot of work to get nowhere.

[–] PhoenixPhuck 9 years ago

We're supposed to take seriously a critique of the writing of the critique of the writing by one of cinema's greatest geniuses from someone who can't distinguish between "stoooooopidity" and "stupidity?" C'mon. At least put a tiny bit of effort into trolling.

Even the most primitive society has an innate respect for the insane.

[–] PopperTheKungFu-Dragon 8 years ago

Thank you for your opinion. It has been duly noted.

Poorly Lived and Poorly Died, Poorly Buried and No One Cried

[–] nimstic 8 years ago

Sorry cannot agree. The film has a well written story, wonderfully sketched characters that reflect Manhattan's life, mannerisms and unique qualities. How on earth would this film be, as beautiful as you yourself claim it is, without Woody's eclectic, surreal imagination of this metropolis? Could Willis have shot Manhattan just as good without Woody? Not without the magnificent score. Not without the subtle minimalism in every scene. Definitely not without the characters/well cast actors that brought the film alive. Take all these out and then try again, perhaps you'd change your view? You might have really enjoyed the whole experience more than simply the visuals... Its a guess.

Or you're probably trying to disagree with the board consensus just to be different?

Either case, Woody can't be denied the credit he deserves for this spectacular film.

[–] rascal67 7 years ago

The film has a well written story, wonderfully sketched characters that reflect Manhattan's life, mannerisms and unique qualities. How on earth would this film be, as beautiful as you yourself claim it is, without Woody's eclectic, surreal imagination of this metropolis?...Or you're probably trying to disagree with the board consensus just to be different?
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It reflects a snobbish\pretentious milieu that comprised Manhattan. Woody's film is one of his better ones and yes, his own artistic input as a director is evident here. It would depend on what one relates to though, and I just don't find it as endearing as some of his others. I find it a cold or even detached experience, in spite of the beautiful b&w cinematography. Yes, I am disagreeing with the board consensus to be different, not difficult. It lacks the charm and radiance of Annie Hall-77', well so say I.

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