Love and Death,
Woody Allen’s brilliant satire on classic Russian literature as well as Russian
mores, traditions and history (especially with respect to their perceptions by
the Western world), was arguably his best film from his pre-Annie Hall days. Filled to the brim with
pinching observations, off-balancing wit, and incredibly hilarious one-liners,
the film saw an early culmination of his quintessential traits that would come
to define him. The movie concerns with the exploits of Boris (Allen), a
diminutive and a rather timid poet who is in love with his married cousin Sonja
(Diane Keaton), during the turbulent 19th century Russia. Nothing is
ever sacrosanct for Woody, and thus he used this canvas to take jabs at such topics
as, god, religion, family, relationships, bravery, the meaning of existence,
and the inevitability of death. He underlined the texts with a broad layer of
socio-political commentaries, philosophical discourses, and personal statements,
by making terrific use of his trademark irreverence, deadpan style and sardonic,
self-deprecating humour. Woody was excellent in his inimitable portrayal of a
non-conformist common man for whom life is a series of unfortunate occurrences,
while Keaton too was good as the cerebral belle who makes lofty speeches on
love and then falls for the crudest man possible. Woody made use of a wide
range of comedic elements, ranging from wordplays and satire to slapstick and absurdist
spoof, while also employing tongue-in-cheek techniques like breaking the fourth
wall. Though admittedly not as personal a work as some of his more renowned
masterpieces, this still managed to be that rare comedy that is as intelligent
as it is funny.
Director: Woody Allen
Genre: Comedy/Social Satire/Parody/Slapstick
Language: English
Country: US
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