Annie Hall (1977)
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98% of critics liked it
(52 reviews) -
92% of users liked it
(140,936 ratings)
Woody Allen's romantic comedy of the Me Decade follows the up and down relationship of two mismatched New York neurotics. Jewish comedy writer Alvy Singer (Allen) ponders the modern quest for love and his past romance with tightly-wound WASP singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton, née Diane Hall). The… More Woody Allen's romantic comedy of the Me Decade follows the up and down relationship of two mismatched New York neurotics. Jewish comedy writer Alvy Singer (Allen) ponders the modern quest for love and his past romance with tightly-wound WASP singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton, née Diane Hall). The twice-divorced Alvy knows that it's not easy to find a mate when the options include pretentious New York intellectuals and lifestyle-obsessed Rolling Stone writers, but la-di-dah-ing Annie seems different. Along the rocky road of their coupling, Allen/Alvy weigh in on such topics as endless therapy, movies vs. TV, the absurdity of dating rituals, anti-Semitism, drugs, and, in one of the best set pieces, repressed Midwestern WASP insanity vs. crazy Brooklyn Jewish boisterousness. Annie wants to move to Los Angeles to find that fame that finally does in the relationship -- but not before Alvy gets in a few digs at vacuous, mantra-fixated California. Originally entitled Anhedonia (the inability to enjoy oneself), Annie Hall blended the slapstick and fantasy from such earlier Allen films as Sleeper (1973) and Bananas (1971) with the more autobiographical musings of his stand-up and written comedy, using an array of such movie techniques as talking heads, splitscreens, and subtitles. Within these gleeful formal experiments and sight gags, Allen and co-writer Marshall Brickman skewered 1970s solipsism, reversing the happy marriage of opposites found in classic screwball comedies. Hailed as Allen's most mature and personal film, Annie Hall beat out Star Wars for Best Picture and also won Oscars for Allen as director and writer and for Keaton as Best Actress; audiences enthusiastically responded to Allen's take on contemporary love and turned Keaton's rumpled menswear into a fashion trend. ~ Lucia Bozzola, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- PG, 1 hr. 33 min.
- Directed By
- Woody Allen
- Genres
- Comedy, Romance
- In Theaters
- Apr 20, 1977 Wide
- On DVD
- Apr 28, 1998
- Studio
- United Artists
Critic Reviews
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Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
Personal as the story he is telling may be, what separates this film from Allen's own past work and most other recent comedy is its general believability.
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Joseph McBride, Variety
A touching and hilarious love story that is Allen's most three-dimensional film to date.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Visually and structurally it's a mess, but many of the situations are genuinely clever, and there are plenty of memorable gags.
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Vincent Canby, New York Times
There will be discussion about what points in the film coincide with the lives of its two stars, but this, I think, is to detract from and trivialize the achievement of the film, which, at last, puts Woody in the league with the best directors we have.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Watching it again, 25 years after its April 1977 premiere, I am astonished by how scene after scene has an instant familiarity.
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Bryant Frazer, Film Freak Central
Annie Hall expanded Woody Allen's canvas to incorporate real wisdom alongside the punchlines.
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, Total Film
Many things mark Annie Hall's place in cinema history, but none of them are the reason you should see this movie. That would be the humour, poignancy and acute observation contained in each and every frame.
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Tim Radford, Guardian [UK]
In Annie Hall, Allen again writes, directs and stars with Diane Keaton in a remarkable recreation of a spent love affair, which is both sad and hysterically funny.
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James Plath, Movie Metropolis
Seeing it again for the first time in many years, I'm struck by how perfect it seems.
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Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
A funny film, and it's fresh even today, though it's not a knee-slapper. Rather, it's a shrug-your-shoulder-and-grin kind of movie.
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Jaime N. Christley, Slant Magazine
Probably not the classic film most in dire need of an HD upgrade, but Fox does right by Woody Allen's best-loved neurotic romantic comedy.
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Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media
Funny movie about relationships. Not for kids.
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, Film4
Woody Allen's best work.
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Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
Lovely performances, and more superb gags in one minute than most movies manage in 90.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
To represent the male view of romance and feelings through the role of Alvy Singer (played by Woody Allen), writer-director Allen updated the familiar stock character of thje "little man" who's at bay in a complex world--a grown up Charlie Brown.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Seminal, hilarious look at contemporary relationships.
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Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
Woody Allen at his smartest, wittiest, funniest and best.
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Dan Jardine, Cinemania
More jokes per frame than any other film I've seen.
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
If you can forgive the fact that it's a ragbag of half-digested intellectual ideas dressed up with trendy intellectual references, you should have a good laugh.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Manu G
A nervous romance. The film that bested Star Wars for the 1977 Best Picture Oscar, Annie Hall is a remarkable achievement in filmmaking that transcends its simple, romantic premise to create a stunning portrait of not only 70's pop culture, but of human nature cumulative. Woody… More
A nervous romance. The film that bested Star Wars for the 1977 Best Picture Oscar, Annie Hall is a remarkable achievement in filmmaking that transcends its simple, romantic premise to create a stunning portrait of not only 70's pop culture, but of human nature cumulative. Woody Allen is brilliant as he usually is. Diane Keaton hit super-stardom as well with her role. The supporting cast includes the likes of Carol Kane, Shelley Duvall, Tony Roberts, Christopher Walken and Colleen Dewhurst. Look for an unknown Jeff Goldblum as an extra during the Los Angeles sequence. Very good movie. If your into movies a lot you need to see this. Annie Hall is a film about a comedian, Alvy Singer (Woody Allen), who falls in love with Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). Both of the characters are completely different but both strikingly entertaining and unusual. Alvy is an extreme pessimist that obsesses over the subject of death and has very sarcastic and cynical views about the world and the people around him. Annie is a ditsy and clumsy talented singer and photographer. When Alvy and Annie meet for the first time they are instantly attracted to each other and as a result their conversations are awkward but never the less adorable. The film takes you through the couple's love lives, before and after their relationship. Alvy often comes out of the scene he is in to talk directly to the audience about his views on whatever situation he is in, this makes the film unusual but more interesting. The film is very sweet and funny but unfortunately quite sad as well. -
Lewis C
Before Annie Hall, I had only seen the more recent Woody Allen movies. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (very good), Match Point (good), and Scoop (awful). Needless to say Annie Hall was a bit of a shock. It was was very different from those later Allen films. I love how Woody is unafraid… More
Before Annie Hall, I had only seen the more recent Woody Allen movies. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (very good), Match Point (good), and Scoop (awful). Needless to say Annie Hall was a bit of a shock. It was was very different from those later Allen films. I love how Woody is unafraid to throw any and everything at the viewer. Any story-telling device or technique that he wants to use, he just goes for it. Talking directly to the audience, flashbacks, asides, they all combine to tell the story of a relationship - piece by piece. This isn't a straightforward narrative, and it's a better movie as a result. Every time I thought things were beginning to bog down a little, some awesome joke or interesting narrative flourish would come out of nowhere and jolt my interest back into what was going on. That's how you make a relationship movie interesting for those who typically avoid these kinds of flicks. Take all those complimentary things I've just said and wrap them in the kind of bittersweet, memorable ending that I love, and you have Annie Hall in a nutshell. I never really appreciated how smart Woody is, before i watched this. It's funny and intelligent and full of the kind of references and jokes that makes me wish I could write this kind of thing. Great movie. -
Sam B
As painfully honest (and sometimes warped) as Woody Allen's films are known to be, Annie Hall is charming thanks to the performances and the chemistry, but its structurally off-putting and repetitive. Allen writes the movie's problems right into the script at one point, but… More
As painfully honest (and sometimes warped) as Woody Allen's films are known to be, Annie Hall is charming thanks to the performances and the chemistry, but its structurally off-putting and repetitive. Allen writes the movie's problems right into the script at one point, but acknowledging something doesn't make it go away. -
Joshua W
I found this film humorist but dont think it's any better then most of Woodie Allens one note films. I like the change of story but all jokes seemed sort of forced. -
paul o
Its a romance that captures the quirkiness in us all. Its a romance that commentates on the idea of love itself. Woody Allen may have had his share of failed relationships but Annie Hall is the most artful way for him to vent about his emotions about them. Its not a masterpiece but… More
Its a romance that captures the quirkiness in us all. Its a romance that commentates on the idea of love itself. Woody Allen may have had his share of failed relationships but Annie Hall is the most artful way for him to vent about his emotions about them. Its not a masterpiece but its a classic. -
Kyle F
Although Annie Hall's apparent lack of structure annoyed me at first, I soon realized that there was no need for structure. Woody Allen just lays it all out on the screen, and it's a wonderfully funny and observant tour de force. Woody himself is the perfect centerpiece for… More
Although Annie Hall's apparent lack of structure annoyed me at first, I soon realized that there was no need for structure. Woody Allen just lays it all out on the screen, and it's a wonderfully funny and observant tour de force. Woody himself is the perfect centerpiece for a portrait of life that seems almost to be both a cartoon and a documentary. Diane Keaton is likeable and amusing as Annie. Tony Roberts is laugh out loud funny as Allens best friend in a performance that, while seemingly simple, is perfectly measured and texturized. Mordecai Lawner and Joan Neuman are obnoxiously entertaining in their brief roles as Allen's parents. The end product is a movie that's bitter sweet. It stings you but makes you grin at the same time, and it covers more ground, emotion, and philosophy during its ninety minute running time than most two hour thirty minute movies can claim. -
Alexander D
ANNIE HALL was a decent, honest, and sometimes hilarious look at relationships in romantic comedy format (somehow it's not at all a chick flick), but there's no way it should have ever won the Best Picture Oscar, particularly over STAR WARS. Before I saw this, I was pretty… More
ANNIE HALL was a decent, honest, and sometimes hilarious look at relationships in romantic comedy format (somehow it's not at all a chick flick), but there's no way it should have ever won the Best Picture Oscar, particularly over STAR WARS. Before I saw this, I was pretty sure that the biggest Oscar disappointment was either THE COLOR PURPLE not winning Best Picture, or THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION not winning Best Picture. Now I'm almost positive that STAR WARS not winning is numero uno, since it lost to something like this. And 98% of Rotten Tomatoes critics liked it? Talk about ridicule. That's not to say this was a bad film. It's just far too overrated. Both Woody Allen and Diane Keaton make this a hoot, with odd double entendres and euphemisms that eventually evolve into hilarity after a while. The irking thing is that the plot is, overall, dull, and no matter how many times Allen breaks the fourth wall, we can't really ever buy the talking-to-the-camera joke into our believability. -
Brad W
A classic movie, Woody Allens masterpiece. -
Kalel J
In film, artists are given a short amount of time to create and convey characters and themes. Wrapped into a narrative, it is the tool of prioritising traits and reactions that are used to best gauge a person on screen. With 'Annie Hall', Woody Allen is not so much conveying… More
In film, artists are given a short amount of time to create and convey characters and themes. Wrapped into a narrative, it is the tool of prioritising traits and reactions that are used to best gauge a person on screen. With 'Annie Hall', Woody Allen is not so much conveying a narrative. There is no start or end but instead a familiar chapter in the larger story of life. His focus is a look at the lines connecting and separating the dual parts of a relationship and it is the level of conveyance that Allen ultimately achieves that gives a strong understanding. In a 90 minute feature, there is a greater insight than films twice it's length. Sweet and bitter, 'Annie Hall' is everything a relationship is and should be. It is an easy and enjoyable affair as the familiarisation of these lives is being explored. As love gestates and evolves, difficulties ensue and realities look to brush away the early romancing. The reality of the film and its effortless cramming of scenes is key. But it is in the fact that we - the audience - know throughout that this romance is doomed, fleeting, that sets it apart. Each character is open to personal bias and like, but their relationship is now pushed into a more objective viewpoint. -
Cassie H
This is such a cute movie. Woody Allen is this babbling, cute little man who drives Diane Keaton's character insane. Seriously, Woody Allen is such a cute little man I could put him in my pocket. This is the first Woody Allen movie I've ever seen and I really enjoyed this… More
This is such a cute movie. Woody Allen is this babbling, cute little man who drives Diane Keaton's character insane. Seriously, Woody Allen is such a cute little man I could put him in my pocket. This is the first Woody Allen movie I've ever seen and I really enjoyed this comical movie, and hope to watch more WA films. Love this movie!!!!! An all time classic!!! :) :) :) -
Dan S
The ultimate romantic-comedy, featuring Woody Allen at the top of his game as a neurotic stand-up comic who ventures into a relationship with an aloof, shy woman (Diane Keaton) who shares his insecurities. What makes this film so special is Allen's ability to break the fourth… More
The ultimate romantic-comedy, featuring Woody Allen at the top of his game as a neurotic stand-up comic who ventures into a relationship with an aloof, shy woman (Diane Keaton) who shares his insecurities. What makes this film so special is Allen's ability to break the fourth wall with such skill, which in turn involves his audience more and makes us sympathize with his grating character just a bit more. Throw in a brilliant perspective on relationships and how different men and women perceive them, this thing is downright funny as well. A great cast adds to the depth of this picture overall, and one that absolutely can not be missed by those that love romantic-comedies. -
Jake .
While I had heard a lot about Annie Hall, I wasn't totally sure what to expect. The only thing that seems to be remembered about the film is that it is among Woody Allen's best and also for the character of Annie. The movie really is not as funny as Allen's usual work,… More
While I had heard a lot about Annie Hall, I wasn't totally sure what to expect. The only thing that seems to be remembered about the film is that it is among Woody Allen's best and also for the character of Annie. The movie really is not as funny as Allen's usual work, at least not by way of jokes and gags, but overall it is a much ingenious film. The style reminded my a lot of (500) Days of Summer: the thoughts/words sequence, the cartoon segment, even the characters are very, very similiar. As far as that goes it sort of dims the 'originality' of 'Summer'. Still, I loved the movie, loved the characters. It's a sweet charming movie, and just better all around that what you would generally expect from Woody Allen. -
Chris W
Yes, this film truly is worth all the praise it gets, and for all the reasons people name. The writing is fresh and fun, the performances are just terrific, it is brilliant shot, directed, and edited, bringing in lots of innovative and effective techniiques to the narrative, and it… More
Yes, this film truly is worth all the praise it gets, and for all the reasons people name. The writing is fresh and fun, the performances are just terrific, it is brilliant shot, directed, and edited, bringing in lots of innovative and effective techniiques to the narrative, and it features some good lessons. As innovative and great as I thought (500) Days of Summer was, I now know that it owes a massive debt to this film. It's isn't a complete rip off as it does come into its own, but yeah, it definitely takes from this one. Something that caught me was how I used to think that the creepy performance from Christopher Walken came after he won his Oscar for The Deer Hunter in 1979 and not before it. Obviously I recommend this. I'm glad this was my first Allen film (even though I'm already familiar with his work, having read four of his books). -
First L
Annie Hall is a departure from the broad humor of Woody Allen's previous films, "Sleeper" and "Every Thing You Always Wanted to Know About Sex, But Were Afraid to Ask", drawing inspiration from Ingmar Bergman (as Allen plays with reality and fiction,… More
Annie Hall is a departure from the broad humor of Woody Allen's previous films, "Sleeper" and "Every Thing You Always Wanted to Know About Sex, But Were Afraid to Ask", drawing inspiration from Ingmar Bergman (as Allen plays with reality and fiction, intermingling characters memories and breaking the 4th wall) and other cinema heroes of the cineaste Allen. The humor is more cerebral, more contextual, and the film-making itself is wonderful. We flashback to his childhood, where he'd depressed about the universe expanding. His mother, exasperated, yells at him "what is that your business!". Right from the start, he says he has a hyper-active imagination, and then proceeds to take us through his lifestory, which especially revolves around a woman named Annie Hall. Through the course of their relationship, Annie seems to undergo a personality change, from sweet midwestern girl to pseudo-sophisticated California girl. It's an odd relationship that doesn't work out, and most of the movie is spent explaining why (although the basic explanation is relationships cool and people grow apart). Still, this film is basically a comedy, and most of Allen's dialogue is one liners (he plays a comedian living in New York City). It's not quite as good as Manhattan, but then again, few films are. -
Jennifer D
I really loved some of the stylistic and story elements. They were hilarious. I also just adore Woody Allen's kind of stumbling-for-his-lines delivery, he's so one of a kind. I gotta say I think this may have been one of the earliest of the modern romantic dramadey.… More
I really loved some of the stylistic and story elements. They were hilarious. I also just adore Woody Allen's kind of stumbling-for-his-lines delivery, he's so one of a kind. I gotta say I think this may have been one of the earliest of the modern romantic dramadey. Definitely a role-definer. LOVE the random little one line and single shot of Jeff Goldblum!!!! -
Daniel J D
I'm not sure how I made it this long without watching this film. It's one of the best I've ever seen. Woody Allen and Diane Keaton are completely mesmerizing and believable. Everyone and everything else in this movie excel as well. -
Tim S
Wonderfully inspiring. -
Thomas B
Fantastic comedy. Full review later. -
Cherry D
"La-di-da, la-di-da, la la." -
Lady D
A totally unique take on a love story, with very enjoyable performances by both Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. A great character who is filled with anxious energy and conspiracy theories, who babbles his way through educated quotes and half serious jokes, an enjoyable comedy which… More
A totally unique take on a love story, with very enjoyable performances by both Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. A great character who is filled with anxious energy and conspiracy theories, who babbles his way through educated quotes and half serious jokes, an enjoyable comedy which devles into the depths of the over thinker.
Cast
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Woody Allenas Alvy Singer -
Diane Keatonas Annie Hall -
Tony Robertsas Rob
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Carol Kaneas Allison -
Paul Simonas Tony Lacey -
Colleen Dewhurstas Mom Hall
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Janet Margolinas Robin -
Shelley Duvallas Pam -
Christopher Walkenas Duane Hall
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Donald Symingtonas Dad Hall -
Mordecai Lawneras Alvy's Dad -
Joan Newmanas Alvy's Mom
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Jonathan Munkas Alvy at 9 -
Ruth Volneras Alvy's Aunt -
Martin Rosenblattas Alvy's Uncle
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Gary Allenas School Teacher -
Hy Anselas Joey Nichols -
Michael J. Aroninas Waiter #2 at Nightclub
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Laurie Birdas Tony Lacey's Girl Friend -
Mary Boylanas Miss Reed -
Dick Cavettas Himself
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Beverly D'Angeloas Actress in Rob's TV Show -
Humphrey Davisas Alvy's Psychiatrist -
Stanley de Santis
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John Doumanianas Coke Fiend -
Lucy Lee Flippinas Waitress at Health Food Restaurant -
Chris Gampelas Doctor
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John Gloveras Actor Boy Friend -
Jeff Goldblumas Lacey Party Guest -
Shelley Hackas Street Stranger
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Johnny Haymeras Comic -
Russell Hortonas Man in Theater Line -
John Dennis Johnstonas L.A. Policeman
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Christine Jonesas Dorrie -
Alan Landersas Lacey Party Guest -
Mark Lenardas Navy Officer
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Charles Levinas Actor in Rehearsal -
Helen Ludlamas Grammy Hall -
James MacKrell
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Bob Maroffas Man #1 Outside Theatre -
Roger Newmanas Lacey Party Guest -
Rashel Novikoffas Aunt Tessie
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Vince O'Brienas Hotel Doctor -
Rick Petrucellias Man outside Theater -
Lou Picettias Street Stranger
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Veronica Radburnas Annie's Psychiatrist -
Bernie Stylesas Comic's Agent -
Paula Truemanas Street Stranger
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Tracey Walteras Actor in Rob's TV Show -
Sigourney Weaveras Alvy's Date outside Theater -
Walter Bernsteinas Annie's Date outside Theater
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William Callawayas Lacey Party Guest -
Michael Karmas Rehearsal Director -
Loretta Tupperas Street Stranger
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Gary Mule Deeras Man at Health Food Restaurant -
Albert M. Ottenheimer -
Jim McKrellas Lacey Party Guest
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