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Manhattan (1979 film)

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Manhattan is a 1979 American romantic comedy-drama film. This genre combines humorous moments with serious emotional themes. The film was directed by Woody Allen and produced by Charles H. Joffe. Allen and Marshall Brickman co-wrote the screenplay. The movie is celebrated for its portrayal of complex human relationships. It is considered a significant work of American cinema.

Woody allen manhattan
Woody allen manhattan

In 2001, the United States Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry. This honor recognizes the film as culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.

The plot centers on Isaac Davis, a 42-year-old television comedy writer. Isaac is twice-divorced and deeply loves New York City. He begins the film dating Tracy, a 17-year-old high school student. The story becomes complicated when Isaac falls for Mary Wilkie. Mary is the mistress of Isaac's best friend, Yale Pollack. Yale is a college professor who is married to a woman named Emily. The narrative explores how these characters navigate their romantic entanglements and personal neuroses. Isaac eventually reflects on the things that make life worthwhile, such as art and music.

The film's production involved specific technical and creative choices. Woody Allen chose to shoot the film in black-and-white. He explained that this style matched his childhood memories of New York City. The film also used a 2.35:1 Panavision aspect ratio, which is a widescreen format. This wide view allowed cinematographer Gordon Willis to capture the city as a central character. Most scenes were shot on location throughout the city. However, some scenes, such as those in a planetarium, were filmed on a studio set.

One notable production detail involves a famous shot under the Queensboro Bridge. The crew filmed this scene at five in the morning. Because there were no park benches available at the location, the production had to bring their own. The bridge featured two sets of necklace lights controlled by a city timer. As the sun rose, the lights were scheduled to turn off. During the shoot, one string of lights failed, forcing Allen to use that specific take. This moment captured a specific visual transition between night and dawn.

Music serves as a vital element of the film's identity. The entire soundtrack consists of compositions by George Gershwin. The piece "Rhapsody in Blue" served as the primary inspiration for the movie. The film opens and closes with this famous work. The soundtrack features performances by the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta. It also includes the Buffalo Philharmonic under Michael Tilson Thomas. Other Gershwin pieces include "Sweet and Low Down" and "Embraceable You."

Upon its release in April 1979, the film was a major commercial success. It earned $39.9 million in North American box-office receipts. When adjusted for inflation to 2017 values, this total reaches $141,484,800. This figure made it Woody Allen's second-largest box-office success. The film also received significant critical attention. It earned nominations for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Mariel Hemingway also received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Critics have long praised the film for its balance of humor and depth. It holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film appears on several prestigious lists of comedic works. It ranks 46th on the AFI's "100 Years...100 Laughs" list. It is also number 63 on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies." Famous critic Roger Ebert included the film in his list of "The Great Movies." These accolades highlight the film's lasting impact on the art of romantic comedy-drama.

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