While the film might be named after Annie Hall (Diane Keaton), Alvie Singer (Woody Allen) is the main character and narrator of this bizarre, non-linear classic romantic comedy.
The film details the relationship between the two, from their first meeting to after the end. Alvie is a comedian, and appears to be successful while Annie is on the up swing as a singer (and she's quite good) but it isn't easy and certainly one of the best scenes is when they meet with their respective therapists and complain about the frequency of intercourse. Annie whines about having sex constantly, three times a week while Alvie states that they rarely do it. So yes, they fight over sex, over intelligent and how they each wish to better themselves. And Alvie has the fear of commitment, which is understandable as he had two ex-wives, one divorce was his fault, the other wife was just plan odd. And he's Jewish, and doesn't seem to be secure in his religion while Annie isn't ashamed of her bland mid-west family. Still, you root for them, because you're supposed to, though I wasn't terribly upset when she finally wanted to improve her life and no longer wanted to deal with Alvie's shit, forever holding her back, so she moves and is thrilled with her life choice. It is a surprising feminine film, complete with a great screenplay and effortless acting. It is a truly good film, a classic, with good reason. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-While Alvie really is an ass, accusing Annie of having her period every time she complains of a headache, and while that's pure, utter bullshit, at least it's mentioned as that was rare in those times and it needs to be normalized.
-Pay attention for Christopher Walken's small role as Annie's brother who has issues, namely, he wishes to purposely drive head-on into another car, with no regard for himself or others.
-Carol Kane is the sweet first wife of Alvie while Janet Margolin is his second, feminist wife. Shelley Duvall has a quick fling with him. She's obsessed with rock bands, while he finds them trite.
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