Manhattan is a popular American motion-picture comedy directed by Woody Allen. Allen also starred in the film and was the coauthor of the screenplay with Marshall Brickman. Manhattan was released in 1979. Along with Annie Hall (1977), Manhattan sums up Allen’s view of the stresses of urban life. In both films, he plays a neurotic Jewish intellectual struggling with romantic relationships with non-Jewish women. Both films co-star Diane Keaton as his love interest.
In Manhattan, Allen plays Isaac Davis, a New York City television writer who wants to become a serious author. He has a love affair with a high school senior and one with Keaton, who is also having an affair with Allen’s best friend. Critics have praised the movie for its satirical exploration of modern intellectuals and life in urban America. Allen filmed Manhattan in black and white to better capture the many moods of New York City. The sound track features the music of George Gershwin. The film’s supporting actors include Mariel Hemingway, Michael Murphy, and Meryl Streep.
