MovieChat Forums > The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) Discussion > Woody Allen's Greatest Film

Woody Allen's Greatest Film

posted 19 years ago by Uncle_Sal
9 replies | jump to latest

This is it folks- the greatest film Woody Allen has ever created. He himself even admitted it was his favorite.

"I don't want to leave."

"Then don't. Stay here with me. We'll start a jazz band."

[–] espiritlibre 19 years ago

I agree. Pure Genius. I followed it perfectly and I had no preconcieved notions. It is difficult to relate to the character becuase of the depression they have limited choices--it is a pity but a riot all the way.
Synergy

[–] thatsweetbird 19 years ago

Although I enjoy rewatching up to a dozen other Allen films more than PROC, my respect for it is immense, especially considering the amount of critical commentary it has inspired(perhaps more than any other Allen film, with the only real competition being Annie, Manhattan, and Crimes).

I think Woody particularly likes it because he thinks he got on screen what he wanted to. My opinion is that if he didn't get what he wanted to on screen in many of his other films, at least what he did get on there is damn great regardless.

[–] Birdhasflown 19 years ago

I agree, its such a magical film experience that reminds us why we love movies so much, its so different than is other films, which is why I think this is Allen's favorite, which he has stated.

Its one of my all time favorite films.

[–] thatsweetbird 19 years ago

It has life's own contradictoriness(or paradoxicalness). It seems to both admire the joy that movies bring, while also decrying their limited power and false values in the face of reality.

[–] Birdhasflown 19 years ago

It seems to both admire the joy that movies bring, while also decrying their limited power and false values in the face of reality.

I was thinking the same thing after viewing the film, and it saddened me a litte, but at the end of the film, when you see Mia Farrow's character watching Fred Astaires famous dance scene, in that film I cant remember, its telling us those dreams that movies give us dont necessarly have to materialize in real life, but on the silver screen where it should be, and that magic extends out of reality, washing it away. And it is such a powerful manipulation, and it sometimes makes me feel foolish. Because reality seems to always set in when the lights come up.

TO thatsweetbird, its kind of ironic that my name has a bird saying as well, from a song I hope you know.

[–] thatsweetbird 19 years ago

You seem to describe the bittersweet quality of the movies I think Woody portrays. They have a brief magic that in some ways makes the harsh light of reality easier, yet in some ways perhaps even harder to bear in comparison.

[–] sadie_beth_1124 18 years ago

It's my favorite, and I agree, it is Allen's best. No question.

"There's no such thing as an original sin."

[–] prodigylover 17 years ago

Agreed.

His other films have intelligence -- this one has wisdom.

[–] jaydubsky 16 years ago

Wow, I'm surprised to see so many people say that this is their favorite Allen film. I like so many of them, but I can't say I was as blown away by this one as some of the others. I had just seen "Bullets Over Broadway" before "Purple Rose" and I have to say I liked that one better, being so mad-cap and over the top with the comedy, which is something I think Woody has to do from time to time.

Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but I didn't love it like "Deconstructing Harry" or "Manhattan."

"Death, you are my bitch lover!"