In typical Woody Allen fashion, “Manhattan” is a labyrinth of relationship mishaps, Freudian slips and intellectual witticism – none of which feel outdated in this 1979 romantic comedy.
Isaac (Woody Allen) is a middle-aged TV writer whose wife (Meryl Streep) leaves him for another woman, then decides to write a book recounting their failed relationship. Then it gets really interesting.
On the rebound, Isaac has a casual fling with 17-year-old Tracy (Mariel Hemingway) but complicates the dalliance when he falls for Mary (Diane Keaton), his best friend’s ex-mistress.
The storyline weaves itself into an even more baffling tangle of courtships and miscalculated feelings, culminating in Isaac’s honest examination of his life.
Whether it’s the cinematographic genius behind the impeccably composed shots of the Big Apple, an all-star cast nearing its prime or Allen’s wistful yet caustic humor, “Manhattan” is a classic that leaves you with sentimental vibrations and a good old fashioned stitch in the side.
Manhattan
Tonight at the Michigan Theater
7 p.m.