Interiors      

By Richard Farr

Although indisputably a film by Woody Allen, Interiors is about as far from "a Woody Allen film" as you can get--and maybe more people could have seen what a fine film it is if they hadn't been expecting what Allen himself called "one of his earlier, funnier movies." An entirely serious, rather too self-consciously Bergmanesque drama about a divorcing elderly couple and their grown daughters, it is slow, meditative, and constructed with a brilliant, painterly eye. There is no music--a simple effect that Allen uses with extraordinary power. In fact, half the film is filled with silent faces staring out of windows, yet the mood is so engaging, hypnotic even, that you never feel the director is poking you in the ribs and saying, "somber atmosphere." Diane Keaton, released for once from the goofy ditz stereotype, shines as the "successful" daughter. Some of the dialogue is stilted, and it's hard to tell whether this is a deliberate effect or simply the way repressed upscale New Yorkers talk after too many years having their self-absorption sharpened on the therapist's couch. Fanatical, almost childish self-regard is the chief subject of Allen's comedy--it's remarkable that in this film he was able to remove the comedy but leave room for us to pity and care about these rather irritating people.

Academy Awards

Interiors received Academy Awards nominations for Actress (Geraldine Page), Supporting Actress (Maureen Stapleton), Directing (Woody Allen) Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen; Woody Allen), and for Art Direction/Set Decoration (Mel Bourne - Art Direction, Daniel Robert - Art Direction).

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		Your Memories Shared!

"I saw "Interiors" when I was 12-years old at the movie theater. I didn't know what to expect, I don't even remember why I went to see this movie. But even at age 12, I got it! I loved it. I wasn't a sophisticated kid who was ahead of his time--but I do remember the dialogue held my interest. Even at a young age I knew there was something special about "that one lady who played the mom" (the great Geraldine Page). I remembered seeing Diane Keaton in Allen's comedies so I was surprised that she was such a good serious actress (my next serious Keaton experience was "Looking for Mr. Goodbar", I was also 12) while my friends were watching "star wars" and "grease", I was drawn to more sophisticated fare like "Interiors". As an adult I still am drawn to it. Its one of those movies I can relax in front of and watch over again." --Cyberjosh