Husbands and Wives

In the panatheon of film history, it is not uncommon to come across semi-autobiographical films or perhaps films that express the true feelings and mental state of the director at that time. One could look at 8 1/2, and realize that the tumultious struggle of the director  masterfully played by Marcello Mastroianni, is just a mirror for Fellini to reflect himself off of and for  millions to see. Or perhaps a movie like 400 Blows, In addition even a lesser one like Polanski's, The Tenant (an under rated film that you should see.)
"Husband's and Wives", follows this vein and allows the audience to go through a fictionalized account of the degradation and irrevocable marriage between Gabe and Jude Roth. Gabe, being played by a reserved and worried Woody Allen, and Jude masterfully brought to life by Mia Farrow. The film however to it's credit does not use standard film making techniques. To tell it's story  it structures the narrative through the use of unstable camera movements, documentary style filming, and talking head interviews. The shooting is raw, and the movement of following character's does not feel fake. This sound's simple, but its incredibly hard to do as a fictionalized film, the camera does double takes, with some character movements it takes a while to adjust, and perhaps they over estimate the movement ultimately  filming blank spaces.  This creates a very strong sense of realism, however it is one of the few real points in the film. In addition to this the dialogue delivery is fantastic, natural, and in particular Mia Farrow and Sydney Pollack knock it out of the park. There is also a small supporting role by a young Liam Neeson, which is done quite well. It is  ironic that even though this film is semi-autobiographical and documents the falling of Woody Allen's relationship to Mia Farrow, he comes off as the weakest point in  the acting department. He is hesitant, his character actions and delivery at time feels forced. There appears to be an inflective  tone in his voice and face, aware that in addition to the character doing wrong, he has in real life as well. Also to note that Juliette Lewis does a terrific job in this film,  and its a disappointment that she isn't as popular as she once was.

"Husband's And Wives", is not one of Woody Allens stronger submissions (Manhattan, Annie Hall, Crimes and Misdeamours, Hannah and Her Sisters) but it is a stronger second teir submisson. It may drag on in some parts and some of it maybe uncomfortable to watch, because of the truthful relationship elements that reside in it, but it is still worth it to take a look. In particular, I enjoyed how the film broke down the 4th wall in the faux documentary technique but it was a good inclusion by Woody Allen to have his character Gabe ask if it's over as the last scene of the movie. Not only is it over for him, but for Woody himself, the persceution, the anger, and the hate he recieved after the controversy with his step daughter, (which I am not condoning). That is a question, I think he can only answer.