A Barren, Godless Eternity

Woody Allen is, occasionally, my favorite director and for a few years Play It Again, Sam was my favorite of his films. This was mainly due to the fact that I had not yet seen Manhattan, which I consider to be one of the greatest cinematic works of all time. While it has become my favorite Woody Allen's movies, this remains my favorite of his scenes. I always found it inspiring, still do, even, how an optimism born of sheer desperation burns a hole right through through one of the most (intentionally) overwrought descriptions of bleakness on film.

(P.S.: The entirety of Manhattan is on YouTube. The quality, for YouTube, is fantastic. Give it a go, and if you regret it I'll personally take you to the film of your choice. Offer only good in New York and includes the price of one Sunday matinee ticket and a small soft drink.) Scratch that, only a few of the sections actually work. It comes up on Netflix Instant Watch occasionally, though.

Related posts:

1. The Illusion of Permanence
2. Anticipate the Explosion
3. The Quick Fuse