Man of the Year, another Barry Levinson. A comedian (picture John Stewart) decides to run for President. This is the beginning of a very interesting campaign. He is accepted in the debates with the other candidates. He wants to discuss the real issues, not the fiction and lies (politicians) or the "weapons of mass distraction" (the news). He is elected by mistake but resigns the moment he knows the truth. Comedy is about freedom anyway. He gets the girl in the end.
Good comedies are hard to find. A good comedy: - plays with emotions, values and culture habits; - inspires you with creative solutions; - sends a message, it's more than entertainment. For instance, when we are caught in a contradiction... that is really funny:
Billy Wilder knew that. The Apartment is about that. The juice of a good comedy: it's about real life and real people doing their best to deal with their circumstances. And remember, you don't need much to make a party.
Woody Allen makes comedies based on our needs, obsessions, fears, dreams and the complexity of relationships.
This is Manhattan (1979) in black and white. A daring (and hilarious) masterpiece. Actors, characters, streets, museums, buildings and bridges, all sheltered in Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
