Manhattan (1979)

Release date: 1979-04-25
Country: USA
Language: English
Director: Woody Allen
Production Co: Jack Rollins & Charles H. Joffe Productions
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Rating: 7.9/10
Length: 1h 36min

Storyline

Forty-two year old Isaac Davis has a romanticized view of his hometown, New York City, most specifically Manhattan, as channeled through the lead character in the first book he is writing, despite his own Manhattan-based life being more of a tragicomedy. He has just quit his job as a hack writer for a bad television comedy, he, beyond the ten second rush of endorphins during the actual act of quitting, now regretting the decision, especially as he isn't sure he can live off his book writing career. He is paying two alimonies, his second ex-wife, Jill Davis, a lesbian, who is writing her own tell-all book of their acrimonious split. The one somewhat positive aspect of his life is that he is dating a young woman named Tracy, although she is only seventeen and still in high school. Largely because of their differences a big part of which is due to their ages, he does not see a long term future with her. His life has the potential to be even more tragicomical when he meets journalist Mary...

Plot Keywords

place name in title, adultery, satire, male female relationship, manhattan new york city, urban setting, horse and carriage, divorce, central park manhattan new york city, one word title, may december romance, comedy of manners, novel, lesbianism, no opening credits, written and directed by cast member, lesbian couple, walking a dog, dog, convertible

Short Review

Allen has always had difficulty harmonising his comic talents and the skittering form of his films: Manhattan is a temporary resolution gratefully received.