Rating of
4/4
Crimes and Misdemeanors review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 03/22/13
"The eyes of God sees all." A philosophical film with a mixture of drama, tidbits of Hollywood and comedy. Admittedly this reviewer is not a fan of Woody Allen, this one finally made a lot of sense without being too "talky" or preachy, much like the Coens' underrated smart flick A Serious Man. This reviewer favors this film over the director's other works. This is a masterpiece of film-making in all aspects and should be enjoyed by those who despise his movies such as this rater. Judah Rosenthal is a successful married ophthalmologist who likes to end an affair with neurotic Dolores Paley. Clifford Sternis an unhappy filmmaker who falls for Halley. The direction was fluid, the characters interesting from the get-go. Not really an original plot but provocative nonetheless.
Though there is a figure on the picture doesn't act or play a huge portion of the movie, Professor Levy has made an insightful impact especially the final word from him: "We're all faced throughout our lives with agonizing decisions, moral choices. Some are on a grand scale, most of these choices are on lesser points. But we define ourselves by the choices we have made. We are, in fact, the sum total of our choices. Events unfold so unpredictably, so unfairly, Human happiness does not seem to be included in the design of creation. It is only we, with our capacity to love that give meaning to the indifferent universe. And yet, most human beings seem to have the ability to keep trying and even try to find joy from simple things, like their family, their work, and from the hope that future generations might understand more." Genius written all over by that very line.
One of the best screenplays this critic has witnessed for awhile coming from Judah - "The eyes of God are on us always." "In reality, we rationalize, we deny, or we couldn't go on living." Clifford - "Very hard to get your heart and head together in life." "Show-business is dog eat dog." "Don't listen to what your teachers tell ya, you know. Don't pay attention. Just, just see what they look like and that's how you'll know what life is really gonna be like." Editing, realism, soundtrack and performances were amazing. A film on guilt, marriage, conscience, love, career, infidelity, loss of privacy, faith and egotism. Crimes and Misdemeanors is highly re-watchable and thought-provoking entertainment.
