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Manhattan (1979 film)

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Manhattan is a famous American movie from 1979. It is called a romantic comedy-drama. This means the story mixes funny moments with serious feelings about love. The film was directed by Woody Allen and produced by Charles H. Joffe. It was written by Allen and Marshall Brickman. Many people think the film is a classic piece of art.

Woody allen manhattan
Woody allen manhattan

It was so important that the United States Library of Congress chose it for preservation in the National Film Registry. This helps keep the film safe for the future because it is culturally and historically significant.

The story follows a man named Isaac Davis. Isaac is a 42-year-old comedy writer who loves New York City. He is twice-divorced and has many complicated relationships. He dates a 17-year-old student named Tracy. Isaac also falls in love with Mary Wilkie. Mary is the woman his best friend, Yale Pollack, is seeing. The movie shows how these people navigate their feelings and their lives in the big city.

Woody allen manhattan
Woody allen manhattan

The city of Manhattan almost feels like a character in the story itself.

Woody Allen had a special way of making this film. He chose to shoot it in black-and-white. He did this because that was how he remembered the city from when he was small. He wanted the movie to have a beautiful look. He used a wide format called 2.35:1 widescreen. The crew also filmed many scenes on location in the city.

Woody allen manhattan
Woody allen manhattan

One famous scene was shot under the Queensboro Bridge at five in the morning. The crew even had to bring their own bench to the park for that shot.

Music plays a very big part in the film. The songs are all by a famous composer named George Gershwin. The most famous piece used is Rhapsody in Blue. This music helped inspire Woody Allen to make the movie. The soundtrack features the New York Philharmonic and the Buffalo Philharmonic.

Woody allen manhattan
Woody allen manhattan

The film was a huge success at the box office. It earned $39.9 million in the United States and Canada. This made it Woody Allen's second biggest hit at that time.

Many experts gave the film very high praise. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Mariel Hemingway was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Famous critics like Roger Ebert called it one of his "Great Movies." The film is also known for being very funny. It ranks on lists like the AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs. People still enjoy watching it today because of its grace and its humor.

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