Annie Hall Woody Allen\'s Annie

Annie Hall

Woody Allen's Annie Hall is a romantic comedy that not only tells the story of two individuals, Annie Hall and Avi Singer, but also provides analytical insight into the complex relationship that they had with each other and the complex relationship that Avi has with himself. A major central theme of the movie is analysis and criticism, which not only are used to dissect Annie and Avi's relationship, but is also used psychoanalytically as Annie and Avi frequently visit "analysts" to discuss their respective issues.

In the film, analysis of characters is conducted through introspection, as well as through the observation of other people. Introspection occurs in multiple ways. For instance, editing allows the characters to observe themselves in the past by not only showing them in their past events, but also including their present selves to be captured within the shot. This helps to emphasize the fact that the characters are analytical of themselves because they not only look back at what they did, but they also deconstruct the particular event or occasion that they are being transported to. For instance, Annie Hall looks back at the beginning of her acting career while being able to provide present commentary on the person that she used to be. This is concept of looking back at oneself is also emphasized through Avi. He not only looks back at his past relationships, but also looks back at his childhood and analyzes the things that made him grow up to be the person that he is. Introspection is also shown through Avi when he talks to himself, many times speaking directly to the camera and breaking the proverbial fourth wall. Through this technique, Allen not only demonstrates that Avi is self-aware, but he also forces the audience to become self-aware as Avi's character is speaking directly to them as though they would be able to provide him an answer.

In the film, split screening is used to demonstrate how the characters of Annie Hall and Avi Singer perceive each other. For instance, when Annie and Avi go to visit Annie's family, he reminisces that his family is nothing like hers; this is shown through split screening with the Hall family on the right half of the screen and the Singer family on the left. Through their conversation, behavior, and dress, it is clear that the Hall family and the Singer family are vastly different. This technique is also used to show how Annie and Avi interact with their respective analysts. On the right side of the screen, Annie is shown to be talking to her analyst about Avi, while on the left is Avi talking about Annie. This split-screen technique not only allows the audience to see both characters in the same environment, but also allows them to see how they view each other, often to comical ends.