Fabe, Marilyn. “Film and Postmodernism: Woody Allen’s Annie Hall.” Closely Watched Films: An Introduction to the Art of Narrative Film Technique. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2004. pp. 173-190.

    In this chapter, Marilyn Fabe considers postmodernism in Woody Allen’s films, particularly in Annie Hall. She begins by pointing to postmodernist themes like skepticism, irony, and depression, and notes that these themes are often key components in Allen’s films. Generally, Allen looks at the predicament of humans living in a post-sacred world. But Allen specifically reflects on this work in a parodic way. Allen mirrors life as it is presented in other films in his own films. His works are extremely self-reflexive and, at the same time, utilize traditional forms. However, he uses traditional forms in an ironic manner, to undercut their realistic pretentions. Annie Hall is the perfect example of Allen’s parodic style as it relates to postmodernism. In it, Allen undercuts his own pretentions by providing audiences with a filmed autobiography (which can be considered to be simply another fictional work). Fabe mentions many particular reasons why Annie Hall seems to be totally autobiographical, but notes that the story is still fictional. Within the fiction of the movie, Woody Allen seems to be confessing everything through the fictional character of Alvy Singer, who is constantly trying to work out his inner problems. Imbedded in Alvy is a serious level of emotion that seems relatable, even if it is fictitious. Thus, Annie Hall revolves around truly postmodernist themes in that each character, particularly Alvy, are extremely skeptical about the world in which they live and approach it with an ironic attitude.

    Like all of Allen’s postmodernist films, Annie Hall is not about love but is more about its impossibility, which is a theme to which all audience members can connect at some point or another in their adult lives. Fabe confirms the reasons why Allen’s films, most importantly Annie Hall, make such strong connections to their audiences. Annie Hall stands today as one of the best comedies of our time because its themes are ones which occur often in the postmodern lives of every viewer. Allen presents the characters and their relationships in a very revolutionary way – one which brings out the insecurities and instability in each audience member, letting them know that they are not alone in their thoughts.