Crimes and Misdemeanors

5/13/2016

Definitely top-tier Woody Allen. The writing, acting and directing are first-rate, as he finishes off another of his artistic purple patches. I'm not an Alan Alda fan in the slightest simply because he's so good at this slimy, know-it-all persona that he once again carries off so effortlessly here. An essential watch for all cinephiles, and worth a purchase and rewatches for Woody Allen enthusiasts.

8/8/2026

I think of all Woody Allen's ensemble-style critiques of societal dysfunction, this is probably my favourite. Ostensibly, it's really about the perilous peccadilloes of "Judah" (Martin Landau) who is one of those highly respected clinicians who is married to "Miriam" (Claire Bloom) but has been having an affair with "Dolores" (Anjelica Huston) for as long as he can remember. To be fair to the man, he does love both women, but he is a downright liar promising the latter woman marriage when he hasn't the slightest intention of leaving his wife. Finally sick of this scenario, "Dolores" demands a meeting with "Miriam" and when that is swerved writes a letter that he is only just able to intercept. Now a little panic-stricken, he confides his predicament to his brother "Jack" (Jerry Orbach) who