The result is a frighteningly intelligent, and often hilariously funny whole.
Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:37
Fresh:34
Rotten:3
Average Rating:7.9/10
Runtime: 1 hr 47 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS is Woody Allen's most mature, most profound film. Martin Landau plays Judah Rosenthal, a successful ophthalmologist having an affair with Dolores (Anjelica Huston), who is... CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS is Woody Allen's most mature, most profound film. Martin Landau plays Judah Rosenthal, a successful ophthalmologist having an affair with Dolores (Anjelica Huston), who is threatening to reveal their relationship unless Judah commits to her and leaves his wife. He admits his sin to Ben (Sam Waterston), a friend, a patient, and a learned rabbi who is losing his eyesight but not his faith. Judah turns to his brother Jack, who is connected to the mob and can make Dolores disappear. Allen plays Cliff Stern, a documentary filmmaker who accepts an assignment to film his pompous, successful brother-in-law, Lester (Alan Alda), a comedy star; both Cliff and Lester fall for Hallie Reed (Mia Farrow), a producer involved in the documentary. Allen the director brings all the characters together in a fabulous mix of comedy and drama, deceit and delight. CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS is a marvel of complexity, with fascinating, well-written characters; deep, complicated relationships; and thought-provoking examinations of religion, infidelity, morality, murder, comedy, and tragedy. [More]
Starring: Martin Landau, Anjelica Huston, Woody Allen, Joanna Gleason
Starring: Martin Landau, Anjelica Huston, Woody Allen, Joanna Gleason, Alan Alda, Caroline Aaron, Claire Bloom, Mia Farrow, Jenny Nichols, Jerry Orbach, Sam Waterston
Director: Woody Allen
Director: Woody Allen
Screenwriter: Woody Allen
Producer: Robert Greenhut
Reviews for Crimes and Misdemeanors
Dramatically, the film seldom fulfils its promise, and its pessimistic 'moral' -- that good and evil do not always meet with their just deserts -- looks contrived and hollow. Intriguing and patchily effective, nevertheless.
The overall 'philosophical' thrust -- that good guys finish last and that crime does pay -- is designed to make the audience feel very wise, but none of the characters or ideas is allowed to develop beyond its cardboard profile.
Allen starts with a sketchy premise and after working it through for 107 minutes he still has no more than the premise he started with.
By far the most stark blending of humor and tragedy to come to the movies in some time.
Allen's neurotic outlook on life has never been presented with more clarity.
This examination of the nature of evil interweaves masterfully comedy and melodrama in equal proportion. Instead of taking a casually brutal approach, Allen dwells on the consequences of sin.
A metaphysical comedy about how we conduct our lives in a time when many think the world is devoid of moral purpose.
Like Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, it is designed to inspire discussion rather than solve problems.
Allen supplies no easy 'crime doesn't pay'answers, nor does he supply blatant redemptive baptismal scenes or bestow beacons of light upon his characters
...tackles too many of life’s mysteries and provides too few answers. But isn’t that what life is all about: More questions than answers?
Latest News for Crimes and Misdemeanors
August 14, 2008:
Woody Allen Looks Back With EW ![]()
As he prepares to launch his latest feature, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Woody Allen has taken a few minutes to revisit a dozen of his career highlights with Entertainment Weekly. More...
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