Woody Allen and Diane Keaton are both stars and part-subjects of this story of a love affair between a neurotic romantic and a nervous wreck. For Allen, it marked a significant shift of direction, in subject (from cine-pastiche to self-revelation) and in persona (from stooge to sage). Despite accusations of narcissism, the film’s
huge popularity and Oscar-winning
success testify to Allen’s remarkable dexterity in transforming private anxiety into public hilarity.

Allen: ‘I really feel it was a major turning point for me. I had the courage to abandon just clowning around and the safety of complete broad comedy. I said to myself: ‘I think I will try and make some deeper film and not be as funny in the same way. And maybe there will be other values that will emerge, that will be interesting or nourishing for the audience.’ And it worked out very well.’