Crimes and Misdemeanors Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich doctor hires his brother, who definitely watches too much TV, to solve a mistress problem, while Woody Allen makes a documentary about how much he hates Alan Alda and unsuccessfully hits on Mia Farrow because #WoodyAllenThings.

🍿 Crimes and Misdemeanors: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Judah’s Moral Crisis

Judah Rosenthal, a respected ophthalmologist, is having an affair with Dolores. Dolores becomes increasingly demanding, threatening to expose their affair and Judah’s financial improprieties to his wife and the authorities. Judah is torn between protecting his reputation and succumbing to Dolores’s blackmail.

The Choice and its Consequences

Desperate, Judah confides in his brother Jack, who has connections to the underworld. Jack offers to have Dolores killed, presenting Judah with a horrifying choice. He initially resists, but as Dolores intensifies her threats, Judah reluctantly agrees to Jack’s plan, setting in motion a chain of events that will forever alter his life. The act deeply troubles Judah, who struggles with guilt and the fear of being caught.

Cliff’s Romantic Misadventures

Meanwhile, Cliff Stern, a struggling documentary filmmaker, is unhappily married and finds himself drawn to Halley, an associate producer. He’s tasked with documenting his insufferable brother-in-law, Lester, a successful TV producer, much to Cliff’s dismay. As Cliff and Halley work together, he falls in love with her, seeing her as a kindred spirit, but the course of true love proves rocky, especially with Lester also vying for Halley’s attention.

Worlds Collide

The two storylines intersect subtly through Ben, a rabbi and Judah’s patient who is losing his sight. Cliff is Ben’s brother-in-law. At a wedding, Judah and Cliff briefly meet, and Judah shares a hypothetical story with Cliff – one that mirrors his own situation – about a man contemplating murder, illustrating the film’s exploration of morality and consequence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Judah Rosenthal (Martin Landau): A respected ophthalmologist who commits a crime to protect his reputation and successful life.
• Cliff Stern (Woody Allen): A struggling documentary filmmaker navigating a failing marriage and professional frustrations.
• Dolores Paley (Anjelica Huston): Judah’s unstable mistress who threatens to expose their affair, leading to tragic consequences.
• Lester (Alan Alda): A successful, self-absorbed television producer who becomes the subject of Cliff’s documentary and a rival for Halley’s affections.
• Halley Reed (Mia Farrow): An associate producer who becomes the object of affection for both Cliff and Lester.
• Jack (Jerry Orbach): Judah’s shady brother who facilitates the solution to Judah’s problem with Dolores.
• Miriam Rosenthal (Claire Bloom): Judah’s wife who is initially unaware of her husband’s infidelity and the potential destruction of their family.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Judah: “The eyes of God are on us always.” – Judah recalls his father’s teaching, reflecting his internal moral conflict.
• Professor Levy: “We are all faced throughout our lives with agonizing decisions, moral choices.” – The closing narration emphasizes the importance of our choices in defining who we are.
• Judah: “You see, I carry a great burden of guilt.” – Judah expresses his feelings to Cliff after killing Dolores.
• Lester: “Comedy is tragedy plus time.” – Lester shares his cynical view of comedy and life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $19,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,254,702
• Worldwide Gross: $18,254,702

💥 Crimes and Misdemeanors Reviews

Personal Review

This movie hit me hard. The way it explores how people justify their actions, even the terrible ones, is so real. I was especially moved by the scenes with Martin Landau – you could see the internal struggle tearing him apart. And the ending? So messed up, but also so… true to life. The parts with Allen are funny, but they also make the sad parts hit harder. It’s a movie I will always remember.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen’s dramatic films”
  • “Viewers interested in philosophical and moral dilemmas”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films with complex, morally ambiguous characters”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Murder”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some language”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Crimes and Misdemeanors is a complex and challenging film, grappling with morality, guilt, and the apparent indifference of the universe. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on life’s big questions.
• Variety: “Woody Allen brilliantly juxtaposes two storylines – one a dark exploration of guilt and consequences, the other a more comedic, relationship-driven narrative. The performances are superb, and the film’s thematic depth is both thought-provoking and unsettling.
• The New York Times: “Allen masterfully blends comedy and drama, creating a film that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Martin Landau delivers a career-defining performance, and the film’s exploration of morality is both profound and disturbing.

Audience Reactions

Martin Landau’s performance is outstanding, portraying a man consumed by guilt.: Viewers praise Landau’s nuanced and powerful performance as the conflicted Judah Rosenthal.

Alan Alda’s portrayal of Lester is hilariously repulsive.: Alan Alda’s character adds comedic relief and commentary.

Overall Consensus: Crimes and Misdemeanors is a thought-provoking and complex film that blends dark humor with serious themes, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. It is generally considered to be one of Woody Allen’s best.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Original Screenplay)- 1991

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The character of Lester was based on Larry Gelbart, whom Woody Allen and Alan Alda reportedly disliked. Some of Lester’s lines were actual Gelbart quotes.”
• “Woody Allen initially considered ending the film differently, with Judah being caught and facing justice. However, he decided the darker, more ambiguous ending was more truthful.”
• “The film explores themes of morality, guilt, and the existence of God, reflecting Allen’s own philosophical concerns.”

🖥️ How to Watch Crimes and Misdemeanors?

Crimes and Misdemeanors is currently available for streaming purchase or rental on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Crimes and Misdemeanors, you might like these similar films:

• Match Point (2005): Also directed by Woody Allen, explores similar themes of morality, murder, and escaping consequences.
• Hannah and Her Sisters (1986): Another Woody Allen film that weaves together multiple storylines and explores complex family relationships.
• The Verdict (1982): Explores the moral complexities of the legal system and the struggle for justice.
• American Psycho (2000): Features a character who commits terrible crimes but is never caught, raising questions about guilt and justice.

🛒 Crimes and Misdemeanors Related Products

• Woody Allen: A Documentary: Explore the life and career of Woody Allen, featuring insights from collaborators and critics.
• Woody Allen Film Collection (Blu-ray): A collection of Woody Allen’s most iconic films, including Crimes and Misdemeanors, in high definition.
• Woody Allen: Interviews: Read interviews with Allen, covering a career of over 50 years.
• Match Point (2005): A similar film to Crimes and Misdemeanors with a different conclusion.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Rosalie” – performed by Cole Porter
• “I’m Through With Love” – performed by Marilyn Monroe
• “String Quartet No. 13 in A Minor, D. 804, Op. 29 ‘Rosamunde’: II. Andante” – performed by Franz Schubert

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

🤨 FAQ

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