Annie Hall

Rating: 2/5

I really wanted to give this movie a fair chance, because to be honest, I had somewhat assumed I wouldn’t like it, but I actually found myself looking forward to seeing why it was so famous. Well, my initial assumptions were correct, I did not like this, but not for the reasons I anticipated. It’s a very unpopular opinion, but I’ve never been the biggest fan of Diane Keaton. I’ve definitely seen things of her’s I’ve liked, but she’s just never been a favorite of mine. That’s what I had expected would be the reason I might not like Annie Hall, but in fact, she was my favorite part of it. She’s the only reason I can see why this movie won best picture, as she was the only natural thing about it. Her character is quirky and beats to her own drum, and though I may not understand why this film as a whole became so famous, I can certainly see why the character of Annie Hall has remained so iconic. If only she was in the movie more.

No, it wasn’t Diane Keaton that made be really dislike Annie Hall. It was the pretentious little weasel Woody Allen that gave me such disdain for this film. I just wanted him to stop. talking! Every word out of his mouth was so pompous and arrogant, and it felt like practically the entirety of the movie was watching him walk through various landscapes, while he felt the need to flex the superior intelligence he oh so strongly felt he had. Trying to prove to all those around him why he was better than them through his endless rambling monologues.

I assume the many different styles of filmmaking that Allen incorporated into Annie Hall may have been seen as interesting or artistic at the time, but to me, it just felt like another way he was trying to show everyone just how fantastic he thinks he is. Thank god this was only 90 minutes.

Have to say, not a fan. But hey, at least I discovered I liked Diane Keaton more than I thought, so there’s that.

1978 Best Picture Winner - Annie Hall

1978 Best Actress in a Leading Role Winner - Diane Keaton

1978 Best Director Winner - Woody Allen

1978 Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen Winners - Woody Allen & Marshall Brickman