THE PLOT THUS FAR
A divorced New Yorker currently dating a high-schooler brings himself to look for love in the mistress of his best friend instead.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Manhattan” opens on Isaac (Woody Allen) as he’s in the middle of a fling with a 17 year old girl named Tracy (Mariel Hemingway). His latest marriage has gone to hell, when his wife left him for another woman. So, now he’s trying to get his revenge with a younger woman and a tell-all book. Unfortunately, his ex-wife Jill (Meryl Streep) is writing one about him as well. His friend Yale (Michael Murphy) is also having an affair with his mistress Mary (Diane Keaton). Yale can’t keep his affair straight, so he pushes Mary off onto Isaac. Isaac isn’t sure what to do since he’s now juggling two affairs that he wasn’t that sure he wanted to begin. He respects what Tracy represents, but he’s not sure what to make of it. Then, there is his pity towards Mary. But, that’s when the Gershwin kicks in and takes on a romp through New York City.
Allen is shown to the audience as an academic slob who wants the love of beautiful women. He doesn’t know whether to seek it from a young woman or the harsh mistresses that his ilk keeps as their wives. He’s a stranger in a not so strange land, but it’s one that he can’t comprehend. He is a man that lacks the basic abilities to function as a fully formed adult. So, he resides somewhere in between adolescence and adulthood. The film works on so many levels, but most of all it’s a love letter to New York City. The choice to use scope shows off the city in a grand scale. The muted color scheme and the stark images help to produce a memorable visual experience. This is one of Allen’s greatest works and I highly recommend that you check it out.
The Blu-Ray comes with no special features. The DTS-HD master audio track is really strong for a film that was initially recorded in mono. That sound design is saved for this presentation, but it’s easy to get lost in the HD whirlwind. Especially, when you try to examine Gordon Willis’ cinematography in 1080p HD. Willis opened up his usual schtick to more light and external shots which make the transfer look a world better than Annie Hall. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!
