The director, who releases a film every year and does not intend to slow down, celebrates his 84th birthday on December 1. And recently he presented the painting "Rainy Day in New York". As always atmospheric, musical and deep.
We thought, you can always recognize Woody Allen's films before you google it. And here are the signs.
“The only difference between tragedy and comedy is that in comedy, people find a way to deal with tragedy. Of course, humor cannot be the answer to all life's problems, but it serves as a kind of adhesive plaster. It's definitely better than walking around broken down all the time."
Sarcasm and wit
Comedies can be of different types. For example, "physical comedies" like "Mr. Bean". Woody, however, concentrates on sarcasm, which is the wittiest form of comedy. Sometimes they are silly (for example, his early films such as Love and Death, The Sleeper, etc.), sometimes they are satirical (Love and Death), in most cases they are based on relationships, sex and everyday life. routine. In addition to being very funny, these comedies are also powerful, and always express opinions in non-trivial ways about difficult life situations.
Hard
Woody Allen's stories almost always develop around the upper middle class in the United States, especially New York. The main characters are often intellectuals. The scheme is this: as a rule, there is one central character, essentially similar to Woody's personality and often portrayed by Woody himself.
Nihilism and cynicism
One of the central characters, just like the director, is often a nihilist, cynic and atheist.
Main character
The director managed to form an image that has become a textbook in world cinema, like Hamlet or Don Quixote in literature. Someone sincerely loved this image or just sympathized with it. Someone does not accept him or even hates him, often for no apparent reason. Interesting effect! For the latter, it is necessary to clarify: the character of the protagonist in Woody Allen's films has little in common with his creator. The identification of the author and the character in this case is a common misconception.
Colors
It's basically a combination of warm lighting and design in the same vein. Woody Allen achieves a similar palette even before his films are digitally processed. He also loves dressing his characters in fall colors (brown, beige, gold) and he also loves red! The director joked that the skin tone of his characters makes them look like Matisse's paintings. Films also have a lot of shadows and ambient light.
Nostalgia
In many of his films, Allen has shown nostalgic feelings from the past. “The Radio Age” is a typical example. In other films, we can also catch a glimpse of nostalgic echoes, such as in the movie Midnight in Paris.
Complex relationships
Woody's love stories never mean one life, one love. Characters fall in love, break up, do other things, regret or feel nostalgic about past relationships. Love stories are mostly triangular or quadrangular.
Perfect portrayal of cities
The first scene of "Manhattan" or "Midnight in Paris". Is there a person who can portray New York or Paris with more love than Woody Allen?
Length of films
The slow development of the plot and long plans are another feature of the director. But, you must admit, enjoying watching a beautiful movie is a separate pleasure. That's why we love Woody Allen!
And what film of the director are you ready to watch over and over again?
Text: Ana Lipartia
