Woody Allen likes his big ensemble dramas ("Hannah and Her Sisters," "Crimes and Misdemeanors") and is largely successful with them, but it's refreshing when he concentrates on one central character -- as he does in "The Purple Rose of Cairo" and again here with Marion. Making inventive use of the tools of cinema (the use of flashbacks in this film is most intelligent, and Marion's voice-over narration is never intrusive), Allen delves into her psyche in such a way that we understand her about as well as she understands herself at the end of the film. Of course, it helps immeasurably that she is played by Gena Rowlands, an actress who brings great depth to Marion and allows us to see past her cold, seemingly emotionless exterior.
All in all, a big step up from the disappointing "September."
All in all, a big step up from the disappointing "September."