“People in Manhattan […] are constantly creating these real unnecessary neurotic problems for themselves ‘casue it keeps them from dealing with more unsolvable, terrifying problems about the universe.” - Woody Allen
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| bclassics is a re-release programme of classic films run by Broadway Cinematheque since its 20th anniversary in 2016. The programme aspires to nurture young cinephiles by allowing them to appreciate the unfaded charm of classic films on silver screen. To celebrating the 40th anniversary of Woody Allen’s Manhattan, bclassic will showcase a digitally restored version of the modern classic in July. |
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| Through a neurotic middle-aged man played by himself, Woody Allen tells of his views on modern relationships and his sentiments towards New York in Manhatttan. Under the charming urban landscapes, city dwellers are constantly bothered by complicated relationships and their personal problems. |
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| Critics praised Manhattan for its excellent balance between Allen’s romanticism and his eye for the sentimental. Compared to his previous works, Manhattan is extraordinarily funny as usual, but is crueler and deeper, leading the film to be even better and more mature than Annie Hall. Allen once declared that Manhattan was a story about what was happening to American culture and how relationships between human beings, honesty and romantic love were becoming increasingly hard to have. |
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| Manhattan’s cinematography also received wide acclaim. Cinematographer Gordon Willis shot the film in black and white and Panavision aspect ratio (2.35:1) that gave an incredible view at New York City, which is “sort of one of the characters in the film” in Willis’ words. The bridge scene where Allen and Diane Keaton chat until the sunrise is regarded as an iconic shot in film history. |
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| Manhattan |
| Woody Allen | America | 1979 | 96 min | In English with Chinese and English subtitles | IIA |
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| Manhattan is Woody Allen’s most beautiful film. Cinematographer Gordon Willis also stated this was his favorite of all the films he worked on. Allen stars as a twice-divorced 42-year-old comedy writer who dates a 17-year-old girl but falls in love with his best friend's mistress. He becomes more insecure when he finds out his his ex-wife has decided to publish a book on their private life, but he fails to stop her. All the relationships seem complicated, but with the extraordinary cinematography and the witty screenplay, they only make New York the most romantic and poetic city ever. |
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| About the Director - Woody Allen |
| Woody Allen’s prolific career as a comedian, writer, and filmmaker has now spanned more than six decades. He started his career as a scriptwriter of “What’s New Pussycat?”(1965), and later became internationally recognized with his work “Anne Hall” in 1977 which won 4 Oscar awards. Written and directed more than 45 films, he has established a strong, unique and comedic personal style. His dramas are largely made up of parody, slapstick and absurdity, and often highlighted with philosophical themes. |
