MovieChat Forums > Stardust Memories (1980) Discussion > This is my fave by Woody

This is my fave by Woody

posted 21 years ago by Eric-
34 replies | jump to latest

Everyone talks about Annie Hall as if it's Woody's best. I'm not too fond of it, really. That's not to say I don't like it. But, I like others of his much more, including Play it Again Sam, Love and Death (great) Manhattan, Stardust Memories(of course), and Might Aphrodite (spelling). I might be missing some, It's late. Those are my favorites.
It's really hard for me to say that too, because I'm not saying sleeper or Deconstructing Harry, (which reminds me of Curb Your Emthusiasm). or Everyone says I love you. Yet, for now, That's where I stand.
I know that Stardust is somewhat like 8 1/2. I haven't gotten around to see 8 1/2 yet.
Stardust is funny and sad, and that is what I like in movies. And, I love the movies he's made in black and white. The film is pretty. I also really fond of Play it again Sam. I would say that is his funniest movie, forgive me if you have a differing opinion. It just cracks me up still, "the track medal", if you know what I'm talking about.
Still, Stardust memories is funny, thought provoking, and pretty. Which is why it's my fave.

As for Woody's new stuff, I don't dislike Small Time Crooks, Curse of the jade Sxorpion and Hollywood Ending. They are not his best work. (Actually, I thought Samall Time Crooks was pretty funny.) Even with that, his upcoming release sounds like it'll be good. I'm hopeful and probably will never lose hope till he stops making films

[–] 21 years ago

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[–] mcerion 20 years ago

This is one of my favorite Woody Allen movies too. It's one of two angrier films that I know of that he made, the other being Deconstructing Harry.

At the time it came out I didn't realize it, but there appear to be parallels to Mia Farrow and Dianne Keaton. The Keatonesque actress is shown in an extremely unflattering light, drug addicted and pathologically insecure. The blonde woman with the children may supposed to be Mia Farrow. Who knows? Maybe I am way off, but that's the way it looks to me now.

[–] Enrique-8 19 years ago

Ah yes!~ my favorite, too! It "personifies" everything I love about Woody. Those dumb critics who say it is too self-indulgent don't know understand that it is NOT trying to do anything else but that!

And those all those who keep saying it's so "8-1/2" are missing the point that he it WAS a tribute to Fellini - and Woody has said so!

Cheers,
Enrique

Enrique Sanchez

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] reviio 19 years ago

Yes, I just saw this film today and I loved it. It had all of that classical music that's been starting to grow on me since I've started watching Woody's films. I thought something more would develop between Woody and the violenist. And it was a real big twist at the end that made the movie feel just right. But don't get me wrong, this isn't my favorite Woody film. That spot will always be held for Love and Death.

[–] mcerion 18 years ago

"Love and Death" and "Sleeper" are the first Woody Allen films I had seen and I loved them. They are still two of my favorite films by him.

"What do we win?"

[–] patbrien 18 years ago

Stardust Memories is a favorite of mine, too.

The other great ones for me (I change a lot on this), are Radio Days, Zelig, The Purple Rose Of Cairo, Hannah And Her Sisters, Sleeper, Play It Again Sam, Annie Hall, Mighty Aphrodite, Match Point and Small Time Crooks (which took me completely by surprise and was great.)

The only ones I have really disliked are Shadows and Fog, Hollywood Ending and Melinda and Melinda.

'He not busy being born, is busy dying.' Bob Dylan.

[–] AKonigsberg 18 years ago

I didn't like Hollywood Ending at first either. But the second time I watched it I kind of stopped comparing it to Love & Death and just enjoyed his performance and the stupidity of the situations on screen and the usual Woody lines, and I kind of liked it.

I agree that Melinda & Melinda is bad (although I will give that a second try soon) and I don't often feel an urge to watch Shadows & Fog either.

At the least, Hollywood Ending is WAY better than Jade Scorpion.

[–] king_mob-1 18 years ago

Hollywood ending was s**t as far as woody allen films go, which is to say it's better than 90% of the other movies being thrown at us year after year, but better than Jade Scorpion? Man, you are either crazy or we simply differ in our opinions!

ALL HAIL MOTHERCAT!!!

[–] AKonigsberg 18 years ago

Please, calm down; I meant no disrespect to the Mother Cat.

Perhaps I hate Jade Scorpion so much because of Helen Hunt, whom I consider to be one of the worst successful actresses (television or film) of all time. She only has about three gears: Monotonous, Frustrated, and Angry. Helen Hunt characters are dull and unmemorable. (See Twister. On second thought, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DON'T SEE TWISTER. Also, it's frustrating to watch one's favorite director resort to a hackneyed hypnotism plot.

Just curious: How many times have you watched Hollywood Ending?

[–] remi_de_large 17 years ago

I totally agree about Helen Hunt being dull, TWISTER sucks, I regret so much having wasted those precious minutes of my life....

[–] slobhero 17 years ago

It wasnt a tribute! They just stole the whole idea!

Screw Fellini, Im down with the Woody.

[–] Enrique-8 17 years ago

Whatever shakes your goat, man...Everybody has one..and I am not talking about an opinion...

Enrique Sanchez

[–] thatsweetbird 18 years ago

No disrespect, but Yes, I think you are way off with the Keaton/Farrow comparisons. I don't think the actresses in this are supposed to resemble any of Woody's real-life girlfriends. They are Sandy Bates' girlfriends.

As far as the film, I agree, it is great. I found it funny that the opening "comment" on here is about how "it is not as bad as some people are saying".

"Bad?" This movie raises fascinating questions about the meaning and value of life, as well as the divide between and value each of of art and life.

[–] pressdarlings 17 years ago

Personally I believe the actress is based off Louise Lasser (who makes a cameo at the beginning). Diane Keaton was already portrayed in Annie Hall.

[–] overratedcritic 18 years ago

It's definitely in my top five Woody. It's a surreal, complex, yet totally satisfying film. I love the cubic structure of some of the scenes.

[–] leopoldstotch911 18 years ago

stardust memories is not only my favorite woody allen film, but its my favorite film of all time! although to be fair i do love most of his films(the ones i dont love i at least like).

[–] ageraldinepageturner 18 years ago

I bought this movie a long time ago and when I heard it was a "knock-off of 8 1/2", I kind of put it a side and didn't watch for months. It honestly turned me off from the film. However, I recently just watched it and I think it's one of my favourite Woody Allen films (althought I have a lot of favourite Allen films). I just wish I would have watched it sooner.

The Squid and the Whale The Best Film of 2005

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] suckerdwsp316 18 years ago

this is my second favorite of woody allens films. behind play it again, sam. how is this a 6.9 on imdb? whatever i dont care. imdbers are insane. this is so highly underrated, its ridiculous. everyone talks about annie hall, crimes and misdemeanors, and manhattan (all terrific flicks) but why doesnt anyone ever mention stardust memories? its such a great satire!!

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] Tashtago 18 years ago

There's no way this is my favorite Woody Allen film. I can't believe how anyone could find it as good as any of his great early comedies, Sleeper, Love and Death, Play it Again Sam , or hey how about Manhatten? This movie isn't funny , the characters mostly repulsive or self obssessed to the nine hundreth degree, the Rampling character. As for being a homage to Fellini there's too much homage and not enough Woody . It's mid-level Woody Allen at best.

[–] ProfessorFate 18 years ago

Just watched "Stardust Memories" on TCM. Haven't seen it in about 10 years and it holds up great. Loved it when I saw it in the early 80's and still do. Hilarious, satirical, and poignant all at once. I know many critics dismiss the film as self indulgent, talking about how Allen ridicules his own fans, but I think it's actually one of Allen's most self-deprecating films. This ability to poke fun at himself is most obvious in one of the film's oft-quoted lines: "I love your films, especially the early funny ones." He's not making fun of his fans, he's showing the absurdity of fame and fandom. I also admire the film's ability to be both romantic and cynical about relationships. Someone above criticized the script, but I find it to be witty and quotable while at the same time dealing with the weighty issue of man's search for meaning in a chaotic world. Oh yeah, the cinematography and soundtrack are great, too.

If I'm forced to pick my 5 favorite Woody films I'd have to say:

-Crimes & Misdemeaners
-Annie Hall
-Manhattan
-Stardust Memories
-The Purple Rose of Cairo

. . . with "Broadway Danny Rose", "Hannah & Her Sisters" and "Husbands and Wives" close behind. I find most his post 1990 films to be disappointing.

"Get off of the bed!"

[–] philtinajero-1 18 years ago

I love Stardust Memories. I always felt it was an underappreciated film. But if I were forced to pick my favorites it would be:

1. Manhattan
2. Hannah and Her Sisters
3. Stardust Memories
4. Match Point
5. Crimes and Misdemeanors
6. The Purple Rose of Cairo

[–] Andi09 18 years ago

Of all the 19 of his movies that I've seen to this day (which makes it what? half of it?), this is also the one I prefer.

| ''But where's the ambiguity?... It's over there, in a box!'' |

[–] SuperSonicX 18 years ago

I LOVE "Stardust Memories". It's one of the first films of the Woodman's that I saw, and it turned me into a fan of his. I think it features his best directorial effort, and it's his funniest movie to date. It's severly underrated on IMDb, needs a 7.5 at least.

"Who knows where thoughts come from? They just appear!" - Lucas, Empire Records

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] leopoldstotch911 17 years ago

favorite woody allen films

1.stardust memories
2.annie hall
3.deconstructing harry (why hasnt anyone mentioned this?)
4.manhattan
5.take the money and run
6.shadows and fog (underated)
7.a midsummer nights sex comedy (also underated)
8.anything else (i guess i like the ones noone else does)
9.sweet and lowdown
10.husbands and wives

[–] DrMulholland 17 years ago

At least we have some similar favourites. Here is my top 10:

1. Deconstructing Harry
2. Hannah & Her Sisters
3. The Purple Rose of Cairo
4. Stardust Memories
5. Annie Hall
6. Manhattan
7. Match Point
8. Shadows and Fog
9. Another Woman
10. Bullets Over Broadway

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[–] FilmFan-13 17 years ago

Humbly submitted, my Top Ten:

Stardust Memories
Love and Death
Annie Hall
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Deconstructing Harry
Husbands and Wives
Broadway Danny Rose
Manhattan
Interiors
Small Time Crooks