Rent Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)

Deep and shallow - Crimes and Misdemeanors review by HM

Clever analysis of life's unfairness and selfish perspectives on moral issues (deep). As usual Allen's one-liners fit perfectly, although they ought to be out of place (shallow). The story is gripping as a thriller and an emotional ringer. What would you do? Does the nice guy get the girl? Is it all life's rich tapestry or a kick in the groin?

We all have to swallow the effects of other people's actions and plot to perpetrate harm to others interests to further our desires. So we can commit crimes and especially misdemeanors. The scripting is tight with no flab whatsoever. I found it to be gripping and an education. Much recommended for those that like intelligent cinema; one of Allen's best.

Natural and realistic - Crimes and Misdemeanors review by CSF

It is all about when good and truth can destroy your life and lies and bad can make your life great. This is the choice in this film. I am always pleasantly surprised how Allen can shoot an exciting thriller. I always imagine him in clever comedies but this film and Match Point are gems where thriller, comedy, drama, darkness blend beautifully together.

Not to miss.

Tragi-comedy. - Crimes and Misdemeanors review by Steve

Woody closed out the eighties with this well constructed comedy about a documentary film maker (Allen) continually eclipsed by his more successful brother in law (Alan Alda). But he audaciously couples this with a very dark drama about an ophthalmologist (Martin Landau) who has his lover (Angelica Huston) killed, to save his marriage and reputation.

Allen brings the two stories together with a satisfying serendipity. His characters may be destroyed by guilt for even the smallest transgression while others commit terrible crimes and (providing they are not caught) choose to be unaffected by the consequences. There is no moral law.

The script is clever, with unexpected twists and shrewd observations. Huston is very moving as an emotionally unbalanced woman chronically starved of love. Landau is chilling in a demanding role as a rich man without conscience or moral compass.  

Perhaps the most interesting parts of the film are a number of philosophical diversions voiced on tape by a (real life) professor of psychology at NYU, Martin Bergmann, the subject of Woody's documentary. This film is pessimistic, but moderated by intelligence and humour, and Bergmann (as Professor Levy) shines a flicker of light into the darkness.