Cast
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Woody Allen
as Cliff Stern
Martin Landau
as Judah Rosenthal
Mia Farrow
as Halley Reed
Alan Alda
as Lester
Anjelica Huston
as Dolores Paley
Joanna Gleason
as Wendy Stern
Sam Waterston
as Ben
Jerry Orbach
as Jack Rosenthal
Jenny Nichols
as Jenny
Caroline Aaron
as Barbara
Daryl Hannah
as Lisa Crosley
Bill Bernstein
as Testimonial Speaker
Claire Bloom
as Miriam Rosenthal
Stephanie Roth Haberle
as Sharon Rosenthal
Gregg Edelman
as Chris
Crew
Director
- Woody Allen
Producer
- Robert Greenhut
Reviews
talisencrw
Definitely top-tier Woody Allen. The writing, acting and directing are first-rate, as he finishes off another of his artistic purple patches. I'm not an Alan Alda fan in the slightest simply because he's so good at this slimy, know-it-all persona that he once again carries off so effortlessly here. An essential watch for all cinephiles, and worth a purchase and rewatches for Woody Allen enthusiasts.
May 13, 2016
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Crimes and Misdemeanors examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Woody Allen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1989, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Crimes and Misdemeanors took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $19.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 119 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Crimes and Misdemeanors shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Mortal Storm, which focuses more on action than character development, Crimes and Misdemeanors offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Hustler and Double Indemnity explore similar territory, Crimes and Misdemeanors stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 13, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $19,000,000
- Revenue: $18,254,702
