Shadows And Fog [DVD]

Woody Allen's 1991 film Shadows and Fog is undoubtedly a very intriguing film, with strong technical links back to German Expressionism, but, for me, the bold visual impression does not lift it above a relatively middling entry in Allen's diverse filmography.The film is based on Allen's single act play Death and takes the form of a Kafka-esque story with Allen playing paranoid clerk Max Kleinman, who is one of a number of suspects in a recent spate of murders taking place in a Transylvania-like landscape, beautifully filmed by one of Allen's regular cinematographer's Carlo Di Palma (best known for his work with Antonioni). As the film title suggests, the action takes place in a dark, shadowy, foggy backdrop which creates a creepy atmosphere, visually reminiscent of German Expressionist films such as those of F.W.Murnau and Fritz Lang and, more recently, the early films of David Lynch, such as Eraserhead and The Elephant Man. In Kleinman's attempts to evade his pursuing vigilante gang and to understand why he is the subject of their pursuit, he comes across Irmy (played by Mia Farrow), a sword swallower, part of a travelling circus in the area, who has deserted her erstwhile circus clown boyfriend (John Malkovich). Kleinman and Irmy embark on a series of a misadventures, including an hilarious sequence in which Irmy finds herself in the local brothel, where she is finally tempted (for $700) to sleep with John Cusack's rich and philosophical beatnik student Jack.Allen has certainly assembled an all-star cast for the film, with impressive turns by Donald Pleasance as the doctor, Lily Tomlin as one of the whores, and Allen regular Julie Kavner, as the unfortunate Alma, who Kleinman stood up at the marriage altar, for which Alma has clearly not forgiven him. Also appearing are Madonna, Jodie Foster (as another whore), John C Reilly, William H Macey, Kathy Bates and many other well-known names, but, for me, the presence of such an enormous cast merely serves to illustrate the rather disjointed nature of the film.The main themes of the film are the typical Allen preoccupations of death, God, illusion, nihilism and paranoia, with the mob scenes in pursuit of the elusive murderer also seeming to suggest potential Nazi anti-semitic elements. Allen includes some elements of fantasy, such as when he and the magician disappear into a mirror (shades here of the classic The Purple Rose Of Cairo). But overall the film does not quite work for me, and though the likes of the ever-dependable Mia Farrow put in a sterling effort, there is a shortage of audience empathy (and even high quality one-liners) which characterises Allen's classic films.Certainly worth seeing, however, for the plus points mentioned above.

This one is absolutely awesome. This movie is a must see for anybody who don't despise Woody Allen (either you love him or hate him, luckily I'm among those who love him) This film has such a great mood. The filming, the light, the scenography, in fact anything technical in this production is so perfect that you can sit back and be mesmerized by a very uneasy, yet hilarious plot. It is shot in black and white, which actually help the mood. Alot. This film would be nothing but any other comedy had it been shown in color. And the acting of people like John Malkowich, John Cusack, Woody Allen, Jodie Foster and Mia Farrow are so impressive that when the show is over, you can't help but feel alot better. Actually you can, about everything. When I watched this with my dad, we both were dead tired after a week of little sleep and hard work. But after this movie, we actually woke up, and stayed up for hours.Trying not to reveal to much of the plot, I will say that it involves a strangler on the loose, and the complications Kleinman (Woody Allen) get's into when he is included in a group of vigilantes who's looking for the murderer, and about a circus performer (an incredibly cute Mia Farrow) and her problems when she runs away from the circus, and try to find her way in the city.As I said unless you really has nothing but loathing for Woody Allen, you're actually doing yourself a real favor if you see this. It really is brilliant.And for those out there who hate Allen and his films. What the heck is wrong with you?

Ignore the negative reviews, this is actually one of the best Allen films, whether you are a fan of his or not.Most of the negative comments seem to attack the film's purpose - this is an homage to early German cinema, shot in black and white with atmospheric fog. Apparently there are many specific references to German film makers and the writer/philosopher Kafka, but I was able to enjoy the film's general homage feel without getting many of these references. It may even inspire your inner film buff to do a bit of reading about this, as it did mine, before a rewatch.It's funny from start to finish - including the expected one-liners - with vaudevillian music and a cast of stars. If you're a fan of Allen's more unusual films, then you'll love this.

This film is one that stays in your mind forever after just one viewing. The claustrophobic feeling of the fog- the quirky characters passing through - the suspense of the plot line and the wonderful comedy throughout particularly from Woody Allen's character. Great film. Oh yes and John Cusack is in there too....ahem...

Clunky, studio bound film, short of memorable dialogue or a convincing, involving plot. It's Woody Allen's homage to German expressionism (and Kafka) but Allen lacks the intellectual resources, acting ability and dramatic invention to enter into the spirit of the thing: it all feels a bit laboured, underwhelming. The creative effort has all gone into the technical side of things but the camerawork is rarely as powerful as you'd expect from such a distinguished team.And rather an embarrassing waste of John Malkovitch's considerable talents.

Not sure if I like this movie or not. Not one of his best and not one of his worst. Black and white throughout and very shadowy and foggy (as the title suggests). If you've never seen a Woody Allen film - don't start with this one.

I'm a big Woody Allen fan so enjoyed it simply because he was starring in it. Slightly odd film though. Some great acting - John Malkovich especially. Not one I would probably watch again but glad that I have added it to my WA collection.

I think this warrants a second viewing - one of Allen's more dark , difficult movies . Reminds me of a certain period of German cinema .