HANNAH AND HER SISTERS. Directed and written by Woody Allen; produced by Robert Greenhut for Orion. Starring Woody Allen, Michael Caine, Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey and Dianne Wiest. Rated PG-13.
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What can I tell you about this wonderful movie, other than "See it! See it! See it!" I'm sure I'll think of something else to say, but that's what comes to mind first. If you're a Woody Allen fan, in fact, you've probably already seen it, since it's being touted as one of his best.
Hannah isn't a return to the zaniness of Allen's "funny" period (when he made Bananas, Sleeper, etc.). It probably doesn't even have as many laughs, minute for minute, as Annie Hall. But where the latter movie had a sad, bittersweet tone, Hannah is definitely an up-beat, "feel-good" experience. Even though it deals with such grave subjects as adultery, religion, birth and death, the spirit of the movie is light and positive.
As the title indicates, Hannah is about a family. Hannah's (Farrow) family situation, at least for the period of the movie, is perhaps a little more convoluted than most. Her husband Elliot (Caine) is stuck on sister Lee (Hershey), who lives with antisocial artist Frederick (Max Von Sydow). The other sister Holly (Wiest), is trying to break into acting and a good romantic relationship, but isn't having much luck at either.
Hannah's ex-husband Mickey (Allen) is a world-class hypochondriac who may finally really have something wrong with him. She still sees him occasionally, especially on their twin sons' birthday. Even though the boys aren't really his....
It all sounds a bit soap-y, I agree, but Allen's artistry and wit lift Hannah far above the suds level. Technically, while not as innovative as Annie Hall, this movie is fascinating and fresh. Multiple narrators, printed "chapter titles," flashbacks and novel camera work keep the audience on their toes (mentally). But the movie is far from gimmicky. Every scene, every shot works to tell the characters' story.
The dialogue is funny, but it's not a collection of gags. It's real-life humorous. Mickey naturally gets a sizeable share of the laughs, but he also wrestles with some of the movie's weighter issues. And what makes Hannah a good movie for people who don't particularly like Allen on screen, is that he isn't even in half the scenes. The cast is a true ensemble, with several actors sharing the spotlight equally.
The whole cast is excellent, but the women of the title are the stars. Since Hannah is the stable anchor of her somewhat eccentric family, Farrow doesn't have as juicy a role as the others. But her restraint and serenity are exactly what the story calls for. Hershey and Wiest are both outstanding and command attention even when sharing scenes with the likes of Caine and Allen.
With such a large cast, and so much going on, it would have been easy for Hannah to be too busy, too noisy and quite confusing. But Allen keeps everything under control (including, incidentally, a wonderful score mostly of Rodgers and Hart, Jerome Kern and other old standards). And he ends up with a well-knit, engrossing and gently amusing family saga that fairly begs to be seen again and again.
NOTE: this movie made my 10-best list for 1986.
March 12, 1986