Crimes and Misdemeanors

Release Year: 1989
Director: Woody Allen

Review: A bleak, black comedy by the master of the genre, Woody Allen, ‘Crimes and Misdemeanors’ is searing examination of morality and happiness. Following two separate story lines of two completely opposite but equally despaired individuals. One a successful doctor who’s affair is starting to catch up with him, and the other a failure of a documentarian who makes advances on a colleague amidst his failing marriage.

I’m not sure there is anything here that raises this to the pantheon of Woody Allen films, but it is solid and thought provoking nonetheless. The story line focusing on Allen’s despondent character provides the lighter moments, keeping the narrative from driving itself into a bleak oblivion. On a whole, it is more of a thinking film, weighing the implications of moral decisions and the ability to live a happy and fulfilling life despite having indiscretions. Allen, seemingly effortlessly, caresses these heavy subjects into digestible morsels, setting the table for you to examine the limits of your own moral fiber. It is film making at its finest, and the reason why Allen is so revered in his craft.

Rating: 3.5/5