Husbands and Wives
Stardust Memories
Hannah and her Sisters
Interiors
start with these :)
Also;
Bananas
Broadway Danny Rose
Bullets Over Broadway
Take the Money and Run
It’s also recommended that you see at least 2 Bergman films before seeing Interiors, as the film is a sort of “homage” to him. I recommend Autumn Sonata and Persona.
Zelig
The Purple Rose of Cairo
Hannah and Her Sisters
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Sweet and Lowdown
Match Point
Vicky Christina Barcelona
good call, though Interiors is probably closer to Cries and Whispers
as you can see, Elyzabeth, Woody has made a lot of “top” films ;)
I can see that :). ok ley reverse this, patapon which one’s SHOULDN’T i see
love and death
annie hall
take the money and run
hannah and her sisters
crimes and misdemeanors
sleeper
I’ve found that one person’s essential Woody is another person’s hated Woody.
Which Woody do you like? Besides the obvious choices, I prefer angry scandal-ridden Woody of the early to mid 90s: Husbands and Wives & Deconstructing Harry. Then again, I seem to be the only person I know who likes Woody Allen but really dislikes Zelig. And I don’t like his early comedies.
you know,i have always regarded woody allan as a cultural parasite,first with his early comedies,clearly an extension of sid caesar and then with his middle period work ,drawing too overtly on both bergman and fellini
Elyzabeth, you’ve started with his two best films, ANNIE HALL and MANHATTAN. There are some isolated high points, and some pretty extended low points, but you could probably call it quits right there without having missed too much.
@Ari: I’m exactly the same.
But his absolute best film is Hannah and Her Sisters. And of course, Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Interiors. Love and Death is his best “early funny.”
-And I don’t like his early comedies-
I don’t either.
His early comedies are good, but the films that make him really stand out are his more morally analytical ones later. I prefer his 70s-80s stuff.
My personal favourites are:
Zelig
Play it Again, Sam
Hannah and Her Sisters
Another Woman
Crimes and Misdemeanors
(Manhattan)
(Annie Hall)
…possibly Match Point…
…and on a lenient day, Interiors – definitely a film I liked better when I was younger for some reason.
Any film listed has fans. I’m a fan of all of them. Just to give Woody’s character a bit of exposure, here’s an anecdote about one film, and a bit of insight into another.
Purple Rose of Cairo
Woody was approached by the studio with a request to change the ending. They suggested the film would generate a lot more box office. Woody declined. I expect the corporate suits were correct (happy ending, anyone?), but that’s the kind of respect Woody had in the industry.
Sweet & Lowdown
Woody pulled a fast one on this film. After watching it, read the reviews on, say, Rotten Tomatoes. You’ll laugh yourself silly.
From the ones I’ve seen, I like Husbands and Wives, Anything Else and Match Point. I have this love-hate thing going on with Annie Hall.. :) — I do need to see more of his older films.
I’ve found that one person’s essential Woody is another person’s hated Woody.
I think so too..maybe most people won’t agree with my choice of Anything Else, but I loved it.
My picks for “essential” (not always best) Woody.
Essential Dramatic Woody – “Crimes and Misdemeanors”, “Hannah and Her Sisters”, “Manhattan”, “The Purple Rose of Cairo”, “Annie Hall”, “Husbands and Wives”
Essential Comedic Woody – “Bananas”, “Bullets Over Broadway”, “Everyone Says I Love You”, “Stardust Memories”
For anyone who has never seen his films, I would strongly suggest these -
My Top 5:
Sleeper
Annie Hall
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Take the Money & Run
Love & Death
…also…
Zelig
Deconstructing Harry
Play it Again, Sam (not directed by W.A.)
… & maybe…
Interiors (I didn’t enjoy it quite as much the second time, but it has a lot going for it)
Stardust Memories
NOTE As mentioned above – yes, I would suggest seeing Bergman’s films before seeing Interiors, but this is the case with most of Allen’s films, as he makes many references to Bergman. In fact, Allen’s films are full of cultural references – both high & popular culture. For example, in Play it Again Sam, it would help if one had an appreciation for Bogart as well as Bartók. The list could go on… this could be a list unto itself!
Definitely:
Zelig (his most creative film)
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Stardust
Love and Death
Hannah and Her Sisters
All wonderful and essential Allen imo.
I’d honestly go through the lot, it’s something I’m doing now.
Otherwise though, I’d highly recommend Play It Again, Sam. It’s probably the most underrated of his movies and close to being my favourite.
Take the Money & Run
Sleeper
Annie Hall
Manhattan
Interiors
Zelig
Hannah & Her Sisters
Crimes & Misdemeanors
Bullets Over Broadway
Match Point
elyzabeth
I’ve just began seeing Woody Allen movies and i must admit i really like his stuff :D.. I’ve just finish seeing Annie hall and Manhattan What other movies should i see from him? can any one tell me his top movies?.