1977 - Annie Hall

A summary, thanks to our friends at Netflix:  "Woody Allen's iconic romantic comedy won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress, for its portrayal of the relationship between neurotic writer Alvy Singer (Allen) and quirky aspiring singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton).  Allen's snappy, pop culture-infused dialogue and Keaton's gender-bending fashion sense influenced comedy and style for many years to come.  Shelley Duvall, Carol Kane and Christopher Walken also star."

So, I was discussing the career of  Bruce Willis with somebody last night, and he told me that he really liked Bruce in "Moonlighting."  Moonlighting, you say?  Moonlighting?  I sucked all the oxygen out of the room, and then almost passed out, because I was positive that I, alone, remembered the 80's series "Moonlighting."  Frankly I'm not even sure Bruce Willis remembers Moonlighting.  For those of you, like Bruce,  who may not recall, "Moonlighting" was our man Bruce's first role, starring opposite Cybil Shepherd.  The writing was unlike anything else on TV at the time - witty, sharp, full of innuendo.  Get up for a potty break - well, you are screwed, because I guarantee you would have missed something.  Moonlighting was the reason I wanted to write.  When other teenagers were spending their evenings hanging out together, running around town, going to football games, and having sex- I was sitting in my room, re-writing scenes from last night's episode of  Moonlighting.  Boy, I bet they sure feel silly now for wasting all those valuable years, now don't they.

What, for the luvva Pete, does this have to do with Annie Hall?  Well, if I were 15 years older, Annie Hall would have been my Moonlighting.  Annie Hall makes me want to write.  Annie Hall makes actors want to act.  Annie Hall makes directors want to direct.  Annie Hall is just a flat-out fabulous movie.

I get it that you might not get it.  Since a good portion of mankind doesn't remember Moonlighting, it stands to reason that  a good portion of mankind might not appreciate Annie Hall.  But I say, definitely see it. 

And then go write something.