Manhattan Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A middle-aged dude dates a teenager, then gets mad when she grows up and leaves, proving midlife crises are real and best soundtracked by Gershwin.

🍿 Manhattan: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Isaac’s World

Isaac Davis, a 42-year-old divorced television writer, grapples with his romanticized view of New York City while dating 17-year-old Tracy. He quits his job, feeling disillusioned with his work, and struggles to find meaning in his life. His ex-wife, Jill, a lesbian, is writing a tell-all book about their marriage, adding another layer of complexity to Isaac’s already chaotic existence.

The Love Triangle Begins

Isaac’s life takes a turn when he meets Mary Wilkie, the mistress of his best friend, Yale. He is initially critical of her intellectual pretentiousness but finds himself drawn to her nonetheless. Mary, feeling dissatisfied with her affair with Yale, reciprocates Isaac’s growing interest. This sets the stage for a complex love triangle that challenges Isaac’s relationships and values.

Relationships and Revelations

As Isaac pursues Mary, he encourages Tracy to study acting in London, believing it’s the best thing for her. Meanwhile, his relationship with Mary intensifies, leading to intimacy and shared experiences. Yale continues to waver between his wife, Emily, and Mary, creating tension and awkwardness among the friends. Isaac’s ex-wife, Jill, publishes her book, exposing intimate details of their marriage and further complicating Isaac’s life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Isaac (Woody Allen): A divorced television writer navigates complex relationships while grappling with his own insecurities and artistic aspirations.
• Mary (Diane Keaton): A witty and intellectual journalist, she finds herself caught in a complicated love triangle with Isaac and Yale.
• Tracy (Mariel Hemingway): Isaac’s young and thoughtful girlfriend, she represents a youthful innocence that contrasts with the older characters’ cynicism.
• Yale (Michael Murphy): Isaac’s married best friend, a college professor, whose affair with Mary creates a moral quandary for Isaac.
• Jill (Meryl Streep): Isaac’s lesbian ex-wife is writing a tell-all book about their failed marriage that threatens to expose his vulnerabilities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Isaac: “I think people should mellow out, lighten up. They take things too seriously.” – Isaac expresses his desire for people to be less intense, encapsulating his laid-back attitude toward life.
• Mary: “You are so self-righteous. You think you’re always right.” – Mary accuses Isaac of being overly opinionated, highlighting their intellectual clashes.
• Isaac: “You gotta have faith. I mean, I try to have faith. You gotta keep busy. I mean, the trick is leading a life of minimal regrets.” – Isaac reflects on the importance of faith and minimizing regrets, hinting at his own struggles.
• Isaac: “I don’t wanna live in a city where the only cultural advantage is being able to make a right turn on a red light.” – Isaac expresses his frustration with the decline of cultural values in the city.
• Tracy: “Not everybody gets corrupted. You have to have a little faith in people.” – Tracy’s simple yet profound statement, urging Isaac to trust in the goodness of others.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $39,946,780
• Worldwide Gross: $40,194,067

💥 Manhattan Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, Manhattan. It’s a Woody Allen flick, so you know what you’re getting into – neurotic characters, witty dialogue, and a love letter to NYC. The black and white is stunning; I felt like I was transported back in time. I loved the scene under the bridge, just iconic! But I have to admit, the age difference between Isaac and Tracy made me squirm. Overall, though, the movie got to me, it felt nostalgic even though I didn’t grow up in New York!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen”
  • “Lovers of classic cinema”
  • “Those interested in complex relationships”
  • “People who appreciate New York City-based stories”
  • “Viewers who enjoy witty dialogue”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Age gap relationship”
  • “Some sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Allen’s most ambitious work to date. Visually stunning, and while the characters are flawed, their struggles resonate with anyone who’s ever sought love in the big city.
• Variety: “Woody Allen at his finest. A smart, stylish, and surprisingly moving film about the complexities of relationships. The black-and-white cinematography is gorgeous, and the performances are excellent.
• RogerEbert.com: “The film captures a certain New York intellectualism, although Woody Allen’s presence is disturbing. Aesthetically pleasing with the soundtrack, but the movie is somewhat morally questionable.

Audience Reactions

The black and white cinematography is breathtaking, making New York City a character itself.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s stunning visuals and how well they capture the essence of Manhattan.

The sharp, witty dialogue keeps viewers engaged and laughing, even during the film’s more serious moments.: The witty script and conversational style make the film endlessly quotable and re-watchable.

Overall Consensus: Manhattan remains a visually striking and intellectually stimulating film, though some viewers find the characters and themes problematic in modern context.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Film)- 1980

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Woody Allen initially hated the film and offered to make it for free if United Artists shelved it. They refused.”
• “The film was shot in black and white to evoke the romantic atmosphere of old New York.”
• “Mariel Hemingway received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Tracy.”
• “The opening montage of Manhattan set to Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ is considered one of the most iconic opening sequences in cinema history.”

🖥️ How to Watch Manhattan?

Manhattan is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check local listings for potential streaming options. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Manhattan, you might like these similar films:

• Annie Hall (1977): Another quintessential Woody Allen film exploring relationships, neuroses, and New York City with similar wit and style.
• Hannah and Her Sisters (1986): Features a multi-character narrative exploring family dynamics and romantic entanglements in a sophisticated, comedic manner.
• Minnie and Moskowitz (1971): Showcases the messy realities of love and relationships in New York, with a focus on character-driven stories.
• Frances Ha (2012): A modern black and white film about a young woman navigating life and relationships in New York City with a similar indie feel.
• Stardust Memories (1980): Another Woody Allen film that offers a darkly comedic and introspective look at the life of an artist and his discontents.

🛒 Manhattan Related Products

• Woody Allen: A Documentary: A two-part documentary offering an in-depth look at Woody Allen’s life and career, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Manhattan (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A high-definition transfer with special features, essays, and interviews, offering a deeper appreciation of the film’s artistry and themes.
• I Heart NY T-Shirt: A classic I Heart NY t-shirt.
• Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue – Sheet Music: Play the theme tune to the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Manhattan features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rhapsody in Blue” – performed by George Gershwin
• “Embraceable You” – performed by George Gershwin
• “Strike Up the Band” – performed by George Gershwin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Manhattan (1/10) Movie CLIP – He Adored New York City (1979) HD

Woody Allen’s poetic tribute to the Big Apple, as expressed through the thoughtful musings of Isaac, is a must-watch for fans of the film and those curious about its exploration of romance and city life.

✨ Rate