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| MANHATTAN (1979) |
One year after winning the Oscar for “Annie Hall” in 1977, Woody Allen helmed his first serious drama – an absorbing film no doubt inspired by one his favorite directors, Sweden’s Ingmar Bergman.
Diane Keaton heads an ensemble cast for “Interiors,” the story about three sisters whose lives spiral downward when their parents divorce. The drama was a milestone in Allen’s career.
And, I believe, “Interiors” made Allen a better filmmaker, someone who is unafraid to tackle honest, emotional issues. It also prepared him well for his next film, “Manhattan,” a comedy-drama that opened in theaters the following year.
Allen has created many great films in his career, from the laugh-fests of the 1970s like “Sleepers” and “Love and Death” to the rich, character-driven comedies of the 1980s like “Broadway Danny Rose” and “Radio Days.”
But of all his works, “Manhattan” is the one I enjoy the most. “Manhattan” ranks up there with “Annie Hall,” “Hannah and Her Sisters” and “Everyone Says I love You” as the best of Allen’s lengthy screen career.
