Manhattan

Based on the fact this has been to date Woody Allen's most commercially successful film, I think it's fair to say his 1979 comedy Manhattan is his most popular film to date.  However surprising that might be to Woody Allen himself, I can certainly see why.

Isaac, a twice-divorced, 42 year old television writer, who is working on a book and trying to get out of a relationship with Tracy, a sweet girl who happens to be 17 years old, quits his job, meets (and ultimately falls for) Mary, a journalist who also happens to be his friend's mistress.

For me, what makes Manhattan stands out, not only as a Woody Allen film, but as a film in its own right, is its cinematography and music.  Shot in black-and-white, Manhattan reminded me of the old classic films from the 30's and 40's.  The music, from the great composer George Gershwin, gives the film its sentimentality.  It also gives New York City an appeal only a film can give.

As a romantic comedy, Manhattan was undeniably funny and, at times, melodramatic as any other romantic comedy.  The four main performances, given by Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Michael Murphy and Mariel Hemingway, were convincingly good.  Watching Allen as Isaac going through the mine field that is his romantic relationships makes me laugh sometimes, but also makes me sympathize with him as well.  Same also with Mariel Hemingway as Tracy, even though she's far too young for Isaac, she's no less sympathetic at times.  The one surprising thing I noticed in the film was how young Meryl Streep (as one of Isaac's two ex-wives) was; I'm used to seeing her in more recent films.

A sentimental, nostalgic, sympathetic, funny, enjoyable and rather light-hearted look at people and relationships, I give Manhattan three (of four) stars.