For these two films Woody Allen writes from what he knows and creates characters played by himself that are writers for a TV show who are going through a crisis.
The other similarity to his real life self, at least in 'Manhattan', is that he dates much younger women. 'Manhattan' has one of the best openings for a film. The wonderful use of music with Gershwin's 'Rhapsody In Blue' and the images of New York are brilliantly edited together. Luckily the film lives up to the opening. The idea of a man in his 40's dating a 17 year-old girl will creep some people out but if you can get past that then this is a typically witty Woody Allen film about a neurotic man going through a crisis. This time he is torn between his love for his young girlfriend and his friend's mistress. There is very little plot to speak of and is just about the relationship between these people. Woody, though can write some really clever lines so it is a very funny film.
'Hannah And Her Sisters' is a similar type of film but is more of an ensemble piece. Woody is in it and is even more neurotic as a hypochondriac writer this time. He shares his character traits around this time. Instead of one character struggling to work out who they love we have several. Everyone seems to not be interested in the person they are with. Once again Woody imbues the script with clever lines and some cleverly written characters.
Woody is once again Woody in all the films he is in. So not much has changed. Diane Keaton is excellent in 'Manhattan'. Woody can certainly write great characters for women. Which is why he has a knack for getting his actresses Academy Awards. Dianne Wiest has got two from Woody's films and 'Hannah' was her first. Equally as good on the male side is Michael Caine in 'Hannah'
Another very good pair of Woody Allen films. Full of wonderful, witty dialogue and great characters that are brought to life by excellent performances.
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