Allen plays Isaac, a scriptwriter for comedies, who dates a 17 year - old ( Mariel Hemingway ) and is plagued by the fact that his wife, who left him for a woman, is writing a book which will reveal the problems of their marriage, down to the most scrutinising facts. Woody plays the character like many of his other incarnations, troubled and lovesick, with a comedic touch. Although he doesn't display a wide range, he proves yet again that for what he does, he is the best. His joke - timing is perfect, and his directorial touches effortless, setting the scene for the movie with beautiful sweeps across the glittering buildings of Manhattan.
In a limited role, Meryl Streep provides a strong performance as Isaac's wife, who is stubborn on writing the book revealing their problematic marriage. It's funny watching Woody begging and pleading with her not to go ahead with the publication, only to be sternly turned down. Diane Keaton plays the bitchy journalist that Isaac falls for, who also happens to be Isaac's best friend's mistress . Keaton is her usual excellent self while Michael Murphy also provides a solid performance as Isaac's best friend.
Arguably, the best performance in the film comes from Mariel Hemingway , who is absoulutely superb as Isaacs innocent girlfriend. From the way she looks at him to the way they converse, you can tell that the girl adores him and looks up to him, which makes it even more shattering when he selfishly ends their relationship to chase after Mary Wilke ( Keaton ) . Hemingway's tearful response provides a moment of genuine sympathy , all this for a man who she is seemingly in so much awe of.
The last scene is wonderfully constructed, with Isaac running to the train station to beg for the girl that he rejected not to go to London. He is worried that all he loves about her will disappear after six months apart. She simply replies that it won't and that he needs to have more faith in people. We don't see Isaacs response to this, just some images of Manhattan, as if to say that a saga like this could only happen in this place.
The comedy is right on the button also, with Allens glorious vanity in himself, in such comments as " I just want you to enjoy my wry sense of humour and astonishing sexual technique . " Comments like this can't help but to raise a smile.
What makes this Allens crowning achievement, in my opinion, is that the pacing and mixture of romance and humour is perfect. I find that in some of his other films ( notably " Husbands & Wives " ) the problems of the characters surpass the humour , which tends to get a little tedious.
This film has already achieved classic status, and for me , it lived up to it's status and more.
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