Directed by Woody Allen

Starring Martin Landau, Woody Allen, Anjelica Huston, Mia Farrow, Jerry Orbach, Alan Alda

Synopsis: “Opthalmologist Judah Rosenthal (Landau) has had an affair with Dolores (Huston) for several years, and now she threatens to ruin his life if he doesn’t marry her. When his brother Jack (Orbach) suggests to have Dolores murdered, Judah is faced with a big moral dilemma: destruction of his life or murder. Meanwhile, documentary filmmaker Clifford Stern (Allen) is trying to make a film of a philosophy professor, but instead he’s commissioned to make a portrait of succesful TV producer and brother-in-law Lester (Alda), who to Clifford represents everything that he despises.

I really enjoyed this film. I am always fascinated by the idea of what it takes for a normal person to be pushed to criminal behavior, and how they are able justify it to themselves. This film takes the viewer down that road along with Martin Landau’s Dr. Rosenthal. The best question that is raised is not can he bring himself to be complicit in this crime, but can he live with himself after he has done it. The best scene in the film is the conversation where Landau wants to ask Orbach to help him commit murder, though he can’t bring himself to say it out loud. Most of the scene is a single extended take, and Landau is incredibly convincing in it. Woody Allen’s storyline is also very entertaining. It provides a great counterpoint, as well as some much needed levity. My favorite performance in this has to go to Alan Alda though. He is hilarious.
Woody provides an intelligent and engaging reflection on relationships, guilt, and religion, and I would have to say that the film ranks among the best of his films. It’s not quite Annie Hall or Manhattan, but still great.

Rent It