Alvy's Stand-Up about Relationships, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

A relationship is like a shark.

Audience Member
Audience Member

What do you mean?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

It has to constantly move forward or it dies.

Audience Member
Audience Member

That's interesting.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

I don't know, I was just thinking of something to say.

Alvy and Annie at the Movie Theater, Reelive

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

You know, I really think that the movies are getting more and more... plush.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

What do you mean, plush?

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

You know, like, they're awful, they're just fluff.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Yeah, but they have their place, you know? It's just escapism.

The Therapist Session, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

I think that I need help.

Therapist
Therapist

Why do you feel that?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Because I can't form a satisfying relationship... like, I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Therapist
Therapist

So you don't trust anyone?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

No, I trust everyone, then I get hurt.

The 1970s NYC Dialogue, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

You know, I miss when New York was a little less... corporate.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Yeah, but it was also a lot more dangerous.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Dangerous, sure, but it was thrilling.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

You live dangerously. That's part of your charm.

The Family Dinner Scene, Reelive

Alvy's Mother
Alvy's Mother

You should really settle down with a nice girl.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

I am settled down... I mean, sort of.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

I think he means a traditional relationship.

Alvy's Mother
Alvy's Mother

A nice Jewish girl, preferably.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

But mom, I like all girls!

The 'You Can't Take It With You' Discussion, Reelive

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

You know, you can't take it with you.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Yeah, but that doesn't mean I don't want to!

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

So you're saying you want to hold onto everything?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Pretty much, it's all I got.

Alvy's Jelly Experience, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

You know, when I was a kid, my mother thought I was a little genius.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

What did she think you were a genius about?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

I once opened a jar of jelly.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

That's it?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Yeah, she was impressed.

The Match Point of Relationships, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

You know, I can't help but think about how arbitrary everything is.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

What do you mean?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

I mean, do we have any control at all?

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Maybe that's what makes it exciting.

Annie's Musical Ambitions, Reelive

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

I want to be a singer.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

You can be anything you want.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

But what about us?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Us is defined by that passion.

The Ending Reflection, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

I learned a lot from this relationship.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Me too.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

It's just that love lasts... so long.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

But it makes for good stories.

The Childhood Analogy, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

It's like being a kid on a playground.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

What do you mean?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

You flirt, you play, and you get hurt.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

And it keeps happening?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

With every relationship.

The Nature of Love, Reelive

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Why do you think love is so confusing?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Because it’s based on expectations and disappointment.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Do you think it’s worth it?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

It has to be, or we’re lost.

The Subway Encounter, Reelive

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Do you think everything happens for a reason?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

I don’t know, it seems… random.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

So, we’re like rats in a maze?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Pretty much, just with more neuroses.

The Art of Dialogue, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Isn't dialogue important in a relationship?

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Absolutely, it’s how we communicate.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

But what if we run out of things to say?

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Then we have to find new things.

The Joke on Taste, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

You enjoy the avant-garde?

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Absolutely! Why not?

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Because sometimes it feels like a joke.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Well, I enjoy the punchline.

The Final Goodbye, Reelive

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

It seems our time has come.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Yeah... I guess.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

I’ll always remember the good times.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Me too.

The Nature of Choices, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

You know, we all make choices.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Some lead to happiness; others to regret.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

I just wonder if I chose wisely.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

We can’t really know, can we?

The Comfort of Familiarity, Reelive

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

There’s something comforting about routine.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

Yeah, but too much can be suffocating.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

It's the balance that matters.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

And losing that balance is terrifying.

The Optimism vs. Cynicism Debate, Reelive

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

You can’t just be blindly optimistic.

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Why not? It makes life easier.

Alvy Singer
Alvy Singer

But it’s not real!

Annie Hall
Annie Hall

Why can’t we just enjoy the ride?

Alvy Singer

A relationship is like a shark. It has to constantly move forward or it dies.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Annie Hall

I love you. If you swear you can wait for me, I'll wait for you.

Annie Hall

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

We need the eggs.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

There's an old joke: Two elderly women are at a Catskills mountain resort, and one of them says, 'Boy, the food at this place is really terrible.' The other one says, 'Yeah, I know. And such small portions.'

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

A man does what he has to do. A woman does what he has to do.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

Life is divided into the horrible and the miserable.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Annie Hall

It's not that I don't like you. I just don't like me when I'm with you.

Annie Hall

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

You can’t get hung up on the past, because there’s nothing you can do about it.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

The opposite of love is not hate; it’s indifference.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Annie Hall

You know how you’re always saying that you want to go to Europe? Well, I’m moving to Los Angeles.

Annie Hall

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

A good movie should leave you with a sense of a new way of looking at things.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

I don’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

The thing about relationships is that they involve work.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Annie Hall

What is the point of your life? What do you really want?

Annie Hall

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

I remember the first time I saw you. It was like the rest of the world melted away.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

I’m not sure if I’m ready for commitment, but I know I want to be with you.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

It's all just a matter of perspective.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Annie Hall

You look like a Jewish Christmas tree.

Annie Hall

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

We can either live life full of fear, or embrace it.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Annie Hall

I believe that time is always moving, but in my mind, I keep wanting to go back.

Annie Hall

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

Let’s not forget that it’s important to love yourself first.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Alvy Singer

You’re the first person I've ever known who can make me feel both comforted and challenged.

Alvy Singer

Annie Hall, Reelive
Annie Hall

Some people think of love as a universal truth, but I think it’s more about personal histories.

Annie Hall

Annie Hall, Reelive

Sidebar

Sidebar by D. E. Brill, Background score present throughout the film

Seems Like Old Times

Seems Like Old Times by Diana Krall, Played during romantic moments

It Had to Be You

It Had to Be You by Harry Connick Jr., Performed at the end of the film


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Opening Scene

The film starts with Alvy Singer standing in front of the camera, breaking the fourth wall. He talks directly to the audience about his feelings surrounding love and his relationship with Annie. This introduction sets the tone for the film, blending humor with vulnerability and establishing Alvy's introspective nature.

Context: This scene introduces Alvy as a neurotic and reflective character, immediately drawing the audience’s attention to the complexities of love.

The First Date

Alvy finally goes on a date with Annie. Their dinner conversation flows naturally, with playful banter and genuine moments of connection. As they laugh and open up to each other, the chemistry is palpable, suggesting the promise of a strong relationship.

Context: This scene marks the beginning of Alvy and Annie's romance, showcasing their compatibility and the excitement that accompanies new love.

Annie's Song

Annie sings 'It Had to Be You' at a piano bar. Alvy watches her with admiration. Her performance captures the essence of her personality—free-spirited and vibrant. This moment highlights their emotional bond and Annie’s unique charm.

Context: This scene emphasizes the depth of Annie's character and how she brings joy to Alvy's life.

The Therapy Scene

During a therapy session, Alvy discusses his fear of commitment and relationships. This candid moment not only reveals his internal struggles but also provides insight into the comedic yet painful aspects of his personality.

Context: This scene deepens the audience's understanding of Alvy’s character while highlighting the film's exploration of love and psychological issues.

The 'Elephants' Conversation

Alvy and Annie sit in a diner discussing their fears about relationships. Alvy uses the analogy of 'two elephants' in a room to describe their issues. The humor and depth of the conversation reflect their connection and the challenges they face.

Context: The scene effectively illustrates the comedic and serious elements of their relationship, showing communication as a central theme.

Annie's Letter

After a fight, Annie writes Alvy a letter expressing her confusion and feelings. This poignant moment captures her vulnerability and desire for understanding. Alvy reads it with a mix of regret and longing.

Context: This scene focuses on the miscommunication in their relationship, emphasizing the deeper emotional struggles both characters face.

The Split

In a heart-wrenching moment, Alvy and Annie confront each other about their issues. The emotional tension reaches its peak as they acknowledge their differences, leading to a painful breakup that resonates with authenticity.

Context: The split is a pivotal moment that marks the decline of their relationship and highlights the struggles of maintaining love.

Revisiting Memories

Alvy reminisces about his time with Annie, now interspersed with moments that initially brought him joy but are now tainted with sorrow. Visually, the scene mixes flashbacks with current emotions, creating a bittersweet montage.

Context: This reflection emphasizes the theme of nostalgia and the often-painful reality of looking back at lost love.

The Final Conversation

In a café, Alvy and Annie meet one last time. They discuss their past together with warmth but also an understanding that they have grown apart. The bittersweet tone encapsulates the feelings of love and loss.

Context: This interaction wraps up their relationship, showcasing how both characters have evolved and come to terms with their feelings.

The Ending Monologue

Alvy delivers a reflective monologue about love, life, and relationships. His thoughts are hopeful yet realistic, resonating with the audience's own experiences with love. It brings the film back to its central theme: the complexity of human connections.

Context: This monologue ties together the various themes explored throughout the film, leaving audiences with a sense of contemplation about their own relationships.

Annie's Transformation

After gaining independence, Annie shows a new self-confidence and sense of identity. This scene contrasts her earlier self, symbolizing growth and a departure from dependence on Alvy.

Context: This transformation underscores themes of personal growth and the importance of self-identity in relationships.

First Meeting with Annie's Friends

Alvy's introduction to Annie's friends reveals his insecurities and feelings of being an outsider. The humor is infused with awkwardness, but it serves to amplify the theme of social dynamics in relationships.

Context: This moment highlights the cultural differences and social settings that can affect romantic relationships.

The 'Relationship' Montage

A fast-paced montage showcases the ups and downs of Alvy and Annie's relationship. It captures moments of love, laughter, conflict, and intimacy, all interwoven with the highs and lows of their journey together.

Context: This scene emphasizes the complexities of relationships through visual storytelling, encapsulating what love often looks like: chaotic yet beautiful.

Alvy on Stage

During a standup performance, Alvy jokes about his love life, reflecting on his relationship with Annie. The humor is tinged with sadness, revealing how he uses comedy to cope with his pain.

Context: This scene effectively ties humor and heartache together, showcasing Alvy's character and the film's blend of comedy and introspection.

The Visit to L.A.

Alvy and Annie go to Los Angeles. The contrast between Alvy's New York sensibilities and the laid-back California lifestyle highlights their differences and growing rifts within their relationship.

Context: This trip serves as a catalyst for conflicts that arise from contrasting lifestyles and expectations.

The Lost Moments

Alvy reflects on moments he wishes he had shared with Annie differently, leading to a sense of regret and longing for a 'what could have been' scenario. This introspective moment resonates with viewers who contemplate their own lost opportunities.

Context: This scene dives deeper into Alvy's emotional journey, emphasizing themes of regret and introspection.

The Jealousy Scene

Alvy experiences jealousy over Annie’s new relationship. His internal struggle is portrayed in a comical yet relatable way, highlighting how jealousy complicates love.

Context: This moment exposes vulnerabilities in Alvy, reinforcing the film’s themes of insecurity and self-doubt in relationships.

The Relationship Cycle

Alvy discusses the cyclical nature of relationships, depicting humor as a coping mechanism for understanding shifting feelings. The scene is both funny and poignant, making the audience laugh while reflecting on deeper themes.

Context: This scene encapsulates the film’s core theme of experiencing the highs and lows of love—a universal experience.

Annie's Growth

Annie evolves throughout the film and finally asserts her choices and independence during a key moment. This empowerment is visually emphasized, showcasing her growth as a character.

Context: Annie’s journey embodies the theme of personal growth and the importance of self-empowerment in relationships.

The Bridge Scene

Alvy delivers an emotional peak while standing on a bridge, contemplating love, loss, and what it all means. The visual imagery of the cityscape behind him emphasizes his feeling of being lost.

Context: This pivotal moment represents Alvy's introspection, showcasing themes of loneliness and the impact of love.

Alvy's Realization

Towards the film's climax, Alvy realizes that not all love stories have a conventional ending. The bittersweet truth settles in as he accepts the evolution of his and Annie’s journey.

Context: This realization ties together the film’s essence, reflecting the complexities of love and acceptance.

The Classroom Scene

In a classroom, Alvy delivers a lesson about relationships, humorously pointing out their pitfalls. This meta-narrative reveals his grown perspective while incorporating humor into life lessons.

Context: This scene connects the themes of love and learning, striking a balance between serious thought and lightheartedness.

The Goodbye

In their final encounter, Alvy and Annie exchange heartfelt words. Despite their differences, there's warmth in their goodbyes, allowing viewers to sense love lingering even amid separation.

Context: This farewell encapsulates the enduring connection between the characters, underlining the bittersweet essence of love.

The Emotional Closure

The film closes with Alvy's narration about love and how it evolves over time. The closing words resonate with anyone who has loved and lost, providing a sense of catharsis.

Context: The ending reinforces the overarching themes of growth, love, and the inevitability of change, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.


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Initial Casting Choice for Alvy

Before Woody Allen was cast, the role of Alvy Singer was considered for several notable actors including Jack Nicholson.

Why it matters: This casting choice could have drastically altered the film's tone and character interpretation, with Nicholson's more aggressive style providing a stark contrast to Allen's neurotic and introspective take, potentially changing the film's dynamic.

Improvised Dialogue

Much of the dialogue, particularly between Alvy and Annie, was improvised during filming, reflecting the real-life conversations of Allen and Diane Keaton.

Why it matters: This authenticity in dialogue gives the film a naturalistic feel and draws viewers into the intimate dynamics of the characters' relationship, enhancing the film's emotional impact.

The 'Subway' Scene

The famous subway scene was shot in New York City with real commuters, causing some to react genuinely to the actors' presence.

Why it matters: The spontaneity of those reactions contributed to a more vibrant and authentic feeling in the film, making the urban setting almost a character in its own right.

Annie's Look

Diane Keaton's signature look in the film—breezy blouses, vests, and ties—was inspired by her own fashion sense, blending comfort with chicness.

Why it matters: This distinctive style not only helped to create a memorable character but also influenced fashion trends in the late 1970s, showcasing a unique blend of femininity and androgyny.

Multi-Jump Cuts and Narration

The innovative use of jump cuts in the film was a creative decision to show Alvy’s fragmented thoughts, with narration serving as the audience’s guide through his psyche.

Why it matters: This non-linear storytelling technique set 'Annie Hall' apart from traditional romantic comedies, giving audiences deeper insight into Alvy’s complex emotional landscape.

The Relationship with Groucho Marx

Woody Allen sought Groucho Marx's approval for his portrayal in the film, leading to a symbolic dream sequence featuring him.

Why it matters: Integrating Marx into the narrative emphasizes Alvy's comedic influences and underscores the nature of relationships and expectations, aligning with the film's exploration of romance and identity.

The Role of the Therapist

The therapist character in the film is based on Allen's real-life experiences with therapists, echoing his neurotic tendencies.

Why it matters: By incorporating self-referential humor and authentic experiences, Allen deepens audience connection to Alvy's character, making his struggles relatable and real.

Film Editing Style

Editor Ralph Rosenblum's work was instrumental in shaping the film's comedic timing through precise cutting.

Why it matters: This meticulous editing transformed mundane interactions into comedic gold, impacting the film's ability to maintain a steady rhythm of humor while exploring deeper themes.

Unique Use of Animation

The animated sequence of Alvy imagining himself back in time was created to depict his imagination and nostalgia visually.

Why it matters: This creative choice added a whimsical layer to the storytelling, engaging the audience's visual senses and contrasting the serious themes of love and loss.

Cameo by Paul Simon

Paul Simon’s cameo in the film was not only for comedy but also a nod to the artistic and musical influences on Allen's life.

Why it matters: His presence adds a layer of authenticity and connects the film to the 1970s cultural milieu, making it resonate with audiences who were fans of both Allen and Simon.

Last-Minute Script Changes

The script underwent several rewrites to refine the dialogue, often late into the night before filming began.

Why it matters: These tweaks improved character development and comedic elements, showcasing the organic process of filmmaking where collaboration can significantly enhance the final product.

Keaton's Input on Annie Mills

Diane Keaton contributed significantly to developing Annie's character, drawing from her personal experiences to add depth.

Why it matters: This collaborative approach enriched the character's authenticity, making her relatable and creating a more balanced portrayal of romantic imperfections.

Use of Subtle Symbols

Throughout the film, there are recurring visual motifs, such as the use of mirrors, to symbolize reflection and introspection.

Why it matters: These elements serve to deepen the narrative, allowing viewers to reflect on the themes of self-awareness and relationships more profoundly.

Alvy's Broken Relationships

Alvy's prior relationships were portrayed realistically, often with humor that stemmed from genuine conflict rather than caricature.

Why it matters: This approach makes the film's exploration of romantic ups and downs incredibly relatable, impacting how audiences perceive love and relationships.

Cinematography Techniques

Gordon Willis, known as the 'Prince of Darkness,' employed natural lighting techniques that align with the film's tone.

Why it matters: His choices create an intimate feel that complements the storyline, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in Alvy and Annie's world.

Final Scene with Alvy and Annie

The final scenes were shot with a bittersweet tone, emphasizing the complexities of their relationship rather than a tidy conclusion.

Why it matters: This choice enhances the film's realism and resonates with audiences long after they finish watching, encouraging reflections on love's impermanence.

The 'La-di-da' Moment

The famous 'la-di-da' moments were conceived as a humorous way to illustrate different sides of romance.

Why it matters: This recurrent phrase became an iconic representation, capturing varying emotions in relationships while adding humor, becoming a cultural touchstone.

Cultural References

The film is rife with cultural references, from Fellini to Marx, connecting the characters to broader artistic themes.

Why it matters: These layers invite audiences to engage more richly with the film's narrative, appealing to both film buffs and casual viewers alike.

Annie Singing 'It Had to Be You'

Diane Keaton's rendition of 'It Had to Be You' was a last-minute addition that captured the emotional tone perfectly.

Why it matters: This performance encapsulates her character's charm and vulnerability, enhancing the film's emotional resonance and leaving a lasting impression.

New York City as a Character

Woody Allen intended for New York itself to act as a character within the film, showcasing its vibrant culture and rhythm.

Why it matters: This choice not only enriches the setting but also connects the story's themes of love and loss to the city's energy, making it integral to the film's identity.

The Use of Stand-up Comedy

Allen's background in stand-up comedy heavily influenced the film's structure, incorporating routine-like monologues into the storytelling.

Why it matters: This blend of comedy and narrative allows the film to explore serious themes while maintaining a light-heartedness, appealing to a broader audience.

Connection to Allen's Life

Many aspects of Alvy's life mirror Allen's, including elements of neuroticism, relationships, and artistic pursuits.

Why it matters: This autobiographical approach deepens the authenticity of the film and helps audiences connect with Alvy's journey on a more personal level.


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