Sudden Manhattan

Sudden Manhattan reflects a great love of the subtle moments in life. There are no "stock" characters within this film, each subject has their own individual quirks and fetishes, and fulfills the "Lattice of Coincidence" that becomes the plot for this movie. The movie is highly entertaining and a great departure from the predictable, and boring block-busters. This film is genuine and lacks the pretense of would-be "Artsy" independent films to which we are often subjected. Adrienne Shelley (the film's writer/director/lead) has a sly sense of humor, and her love of New York and "real conversation" is palpable and hilarious. Here is a talent who finds the art in real life. Worthy of eleven, if not one hundred, stars.

This is quite a weak movie, with little focus. It's carried along mainly by its charismatic star and characteristic ethnic black humor. Adrienne Shelly, who wrote, stars, and directs, relies too much on her "cute" appeal and less on substance or content. It is what a Woody Allen film would have been if Allen were less of a genius. (I am inclined to write "if Allen had been less of a genius," since unfortunately, based on Cancel Culture, we are likely to see the end of Allen's career, also due to his advanced age).

There are "moments" in the film, esoteric dialogue, but nothing beyond that. Much of the comedy is rather strained and must have been fashionably cynical for its time. But basically it's a one-woman show. If you like her you'll stick to the end, as I did; otherwise you might lose interest one-third of the way through, as I did.

Might have been made from Woody Allen's out-takes; it has the feel of one of his weaker movies. It isn't bad, exactly, but it isn't good, exactly, either. A woman who might or might not be insane might or might not be witnessing murders by a man who might or might not have multiple personality disorder. The men and women who might or might not flit into her life might or might not join her in what might or might not be an investigation. The only characters who seem to be sure of anything are the cop who calmly assures her she hasn't seen anything and the gypsy who is sure of nothing but death, destruction, and collecting for her palm reading. Very funny moments, very freaky moments, and nothing much as a whole.

Ive always liked Shelly in the Hal Hartly films, esp TRUST, and here she is no different. Though SM has its off moments, it is basically far more entertaining than half the full-budget crap out there. And to think that she made it herself. Her on-screen persona is more serious than she is: I love her quick retort in the bonus intro, in response to 'where she got the money to make the film' Adrienne turns to the camera, flashes an impish smile, and says: "Investment Bankers!"

For anyone who has ever thought they might be losing their mind this movie puts a band-aid on it. Everybody has an off day every now and then and it's good to see your not alone. My favorite conversation starter now is to ask someone "If you were served a plate of noisy eggs, would you eat them?" Bravo!! As a struggling filmmaker myself, I applaud Adrienne Shelly for her wonderfully quirky and stylized film. Unbelievably well written. Wonderfully composed shots with lots of visual interest. The synergy amongst the cast is amazing. I showed a clip of this film to my film school class and I had so many people come up to me afterward wanting to know where they could get a copy as well! Highly recommended to anyone questioning their sanity!