Husbands and Wives (1992)
This Woody Allen drama combines many of his frequently used elements, bringing a fresh combination to the themes he often visits. Infidelity, marital difficulties, therapy, and mortality are all discussed ad nauseum in the film, but instead of a linear storyline, he films it as a pseudo-documentary. The four main characters are separately interviewed to discuss their thoughts and feelings, interspersed with the plot of the destruction of the two marriages, which is sometimes narrated by the interviewer.
Sydney Pollack and Judy Davis announce to their closest friends Woody Allen and Mia Farrow that they’re ending their marriage. As they explore the single life, Woody and Mia look at the problems in their own marriage. Mia’s tempted by Liam Neeson, a co-worker, and Woody is drawn to the hero-worship of one of his students, Juliette Lewis.
I didn’t really like this movie, because besides Mia Farrow, none of the characters were remotely likable. Mia’s given the least impetus in the plot, so for most of the movie, I became increasingly more frustrated with everyone else. Yes, everyone has problems and relationships are incredibly difficult, but is it necessary to waste 104 minutes watching an uninteresting movie about it? If a movie’s going to depress me, it’d better have a reason. Plus, knowing that the twelve-year relationship between Mia and Woody went down in scandalous flames during this film makes it difficult to enjoy watching them argue onscreen. This was the last of their thirteen movies together, and I can’t help but think that was part of the reason audiences flocked to the theaters to see this one.
DLM warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie is not your friend. Pretty much the entire movie uses a handheld cameras, and it will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
More Mia Farrow movies here!
Sydney Pollack and Judy Davis announce to their closest friends Woody Allen and Mia Farrow that they’re ending their marriage. As they explore the single life, Woody and Mia look at the problems in their own marriage. Mia’s tempted by Liam Neeson, a co-worker, and Woody is drawn to the hero-worship of one of his students, Juliette Lewis.
I didn’t really like this movie, because besides Mia Farrow, none of the characters were remotely likable. Mia’s given the least impetus in the plot, so for most of the movie, I became increasingly more frustrated with everyone else. Yes, everyone has problems and relationships are incredibly difficult, but is it necessary to waste 104 minutes watching an uninteresting movie about it? If a movie’s going to depress me, it’d better have a reason. Plus, knowing that the twelve-year relationship between Mia and Woody went down in scandalous flames during this film makes it difficult to enjoy watching them argue onscreen. This was the last of their thirteen movies together, and I can’t help but think that was part of the reason audiences flocked to the theaters to see this one.
DLM warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie is not your friend. Pretty much the entire movie uses a handheld cameras, and it will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
More Mia Farrow movies here!