Remember the movie “Annie Hall”? Woody Allen was the writer of this iconic film. Not just that but he also starred in it. It is a love letter for a city he lives in and how he metaphorically falls in love with Annie Hall in the movie.
Woody Allen is an American actor, author, filmmaker, comedian, playwright, and musician whose career spans more than six decades.
Throughout his prolific career, Woody Allen has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His unique style of blending humor with introspection has garnered him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. From his early slapstick comedies to his later, more contemplative works, Allen’s films have explored the complexities of human relationships and the quirks of everyday life. Beyond his contributions to the silver screen, Allen has also delved into literature, penning several books that showcase his wit and insight. With a career that spans more than six decades, Woody Allen remains a multifaceted creative force, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
This is an excerpt from his movie, Manhattan, where at first he struggles to best define the feelings of his character;
“Chapter 1.
He adored New York City. He idolized it all out of proportion…no, make that: he – he romanticized it all out of proportion. Yeah. To him, no matter what the season was, this was still a town that existed in black and white and pulsated to the great tunes of George Gershwin.’Uh, no let me start this over.
‘Chapter 1.
He was too romantic about Manhattan, as he was about everything else. He thrived on the hustle bustle of the crowds and the traffic. To him, New York meant beautiful women and street-smart guys who seemed to know all the angles…’.Ah, corny, too corny for my taste. Can we … can we try and make it more profound?
‘Chapter 1.
He adored New York City. For him, it was a metaphor for the decay of contemporary culture. The same lack of individual integrity that caused so many people to take the easy way out was rapidly turning the town of his dreams in…’No, that’s going to be too preachy. I mean, you know, let’s face it, I want to sell some books here.
‘Chapter 1.
He adored New York City, although to him it was a metaphor for the decay of contemporary culture. How hard it was to exist in a society desensitized by drugs, loud music, television, crime, garbage…’Too angry, I don’t want to be angry.
‘Chapter 1.
He was as tough and romantic as the city he loved. Behind his black-rimmed glasses was the coiled sexual power of a jungle cat.’I love this.
‘New York was his town, and it always would be.”
― Woody Allen, Manhattan
“Manhattan” is a movie that depicts his love for the city of New York, particularly downtown Manhattan. This is one of the most well-written first sequences in a movie that shows such loyalty and love to a certain place. This is certainly one of Woody Allen’s greats.
