(the recommended MGM DVD)
One of Woody Allen’s best early movies and most serious movies. An homage to Ingmar Bergman including the use of Bergman’s famous cinematographer Sven Nykist. It is a beautiful film to watch for that reason and running at 81 packed minutes, there is nary a dull moment. The moods and atmosphere of Another Woman are pleasant even though there are many emotional and mental conflicts.
The protagonist is Marion (the outstanding Gena Rowlands) surrounded with an excellent supporting cast including a charming Gene Hackman (as the love of her life she never married), Ian Holm (as her flawed doctor-divorcee-husband), Mia Farrow (as the pregnant woman in psychoanalysis who eventually finds meaning in life), Blythe Danner (as Marion’s current untrustworthy friend), John Houseman (in an excellent cameo as Marion’s aging father), and Sandy Dennis (as the bitter early drama-friend who reappears later in Marion’s life).
The individual scenes are memorable especially the poignant seamless flashbacks and the ones with John Houseman. Mia Farrow’s psychological problems parallel Marion’s and she is the character who is a younger alter ego for the protagonist. The portraits of the men vary and it is quite clear that Marion’s father and husband both come up short compared to the love of her life.
There is nothing heavy-handed about this Allen movie. Woody’s writing is incredibly perceptive and his direction is respectfully sympathetic. he gets strong performances out of all his actors.
When Woody Allen’s career gets retrospected, this little gem will be remembered as one the best of the serious ventures. Highly recommended on all points including music for its appropriate repeated use of Erik Satie’s “Trois Gymnopedies” and Weil’s “Bilbao Song”.