Photo by Jill Freedman
 
Negative Year: 1977
Print size: 17.2x24.4 cm 
Style: Vintage gelatin silver print
Stamp on the verso
 
The Backstory:
Born Allan Stewart Konigsberg in 1935, Allan showed an early interest in writing and humor, working as a comedy writer in the 1950s, where he penned jokes for newspapers, TV shows, and stand-up comedians.
In the 1960s, Woody Allen transitioned to performing his own stand-up comedy. His neurotic, self-reflective style of comedy, paired with a persona of intellectualism, resonated with the spirit of this time.
He then made his first foray into filmmaking with What's Up, Tiger Lily? (1966).
 
However, it was Annie Hall (1977) that brought him to the forefront of American cinema.
It’s a romantic comedy-drama directed by and starring Allen.
The film is a non-linear exploration of the relationship between Alvy Singer (Woody Allen), a neurotic and intellectual comedian, and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton), a free-spirited singer. The film explores themes of love, relationships, self-doubt, and the complexities of modern life, all with Allen’s signature blend of humor and introspection.
Annie Hall breaks traditional narrative conventions as the film moves back and forth in time, with flashbacks and playful fourth-wall breaks, such as Alvy talking directly to the camera.
Thus, it was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards.  And it marked a shift in American cinema towards more introspective, character-driven storytelling, influencing filmmakers for years to come.
The film’s witty dialogue and clever observations about life and love are still quoted today:
 
 
[after sex with Annie]
Alvy Singer: That sex was the most fun I've ever had without laughing.
 
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Annie Hall: So I told her about, about the family and about my feelings towards men and about my relationship with my brother. And then she mentioned penis envy. Do you know about that?
Alvy Singer: Me? I'm, I'm one of the few males who suffers from that.
 
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Alvy Singer: Love is too weak a word for what I feel - I luuurve you, you know, I loave you, I luff you, two F's, yes I have to invent, of course I - I do, don't you think I do?
 
 
A brilliant, humorous, and at the same time profound sentence follows one after the other. It's worth Googling the many quotes every now and then!
Our photo is a unique reminder of this film and what we learn here about the madness and uniqueness of love.