Manhattan - 6

I feel the need to give a reason why Woody Allen films are half decent, maybe even good films. Everyone I seem to talk to thinks he's creepy and that he should not star in his own films (unfortunately film is a medium that is not immune to ad hominem attack. Acting is one of the areas of critique; if people don't like the actors, then the story is usually shut out). While I might not dispute the second point, although I think he may have the best ability to portray the crazy character's he writes, I don't find him creepy. I think his films are always asking good questions, and he leaves open the possibility that the audience may agree or disagree, the point is not for him to convince you of some way of life, but rather to open up your life to some serious, and often funny, questions and critique. This film does the same as his other films. It is mostly a tribute to Manhattan, the city that Allen loves. But on top of that is the struggle to find the meaning in romantic relationships. I think he comes to the conclusion in this film, at least, that meaningful relationships are not really possible in the full sense because of the screwed-up-ness of the world. This seems to be a very pessimistic view, but have you looked at reality lately? To get back on an optimistic note, there is still love and hope. And both of these just point to the overwhelming tension that is life. There is the good and the bad, which makes us not take things like love, hope and a meaningful existence for granted. In fact, that is how we know these things are worth pursuing. So, my advice: watch Woody Allen films in small doses with an open mind toward a little self criticism, you might just learn something about yourself.