Discover Woody Allen’s Oscar-winning female characters that became icons in the cinematography world.
Woody Allen’s reputation follows him wherever he goes, a filmmaker with a particular vision on love, making unique movies that have stayed with us through the years. However, it wasn’t just his incredible movies that are going to stay in his reputation, but also his ability to write some of the best female characters in the world of cinematography, earning many Hollywood actresses a well earned Oscar. Under his direction, we have seen female characters come to life on the screen with iconic personalities. Let’s take a look at the female characters in these Woody Allen movies that will forever stay in history.
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Marion Post, “Another Woman” (1988)
Gena Rowlands takes the role of Marion Post, a philosophy professor in her 50s, widely respected and successful, in this movie of audacity and turning life around. This incredible character’s life takes a wild turn when, through a trick of a ventilation system, she begins to overhear the conversations in an adjacent analyst’s office. In particular one woman’s troubles prompt her to start reevaluating her own life, which leads to some unsettling conclusions about her marriage, her choices, her previously unassailable sense of herself and her place in the world. It’s a unique role of an aging woman thinking that she might have put success above passion. Strong and powerful, it’s a role that will stay in history.
Lee, Holly and Hannah, “Hanna And Her Sisters” (1986)
One of the most remarkable stories in Woody Allen’s movies has given us three incredible female characters that will never go unnoticed. Even as we dive deep into the romantic lives of these three stories, a movie filled with characters, you can still feel the depth in every single one of them. Jealousy, insecurities and love flows through the timeline. Hannah, played by Mia Farrow, is a classic Allen character, the “perfect” one whose perfection alienates others. Lee, played by Barbara Hershey, is the youngest, who has a thing for older, teacher-type men, but also embarks on an affair with Hannah’s husband, ending up falling in love. Holly, played by Dianne West, is actually the one who the story redeems, as she goes from ex-coke fiend and flighty unsuccessful actress to caterer to successful married writer at the very end. The journeys of these characters will forever remain in our hearts.
Marcia Fox, “Manhattan Murder Mystery” (1993)
Diane Keton as Carol Lipton is a great female character in this movie by Woody Allen, but we just have to shine our light on Anjelica Houston as Marcia Fox, the writer who tempts literary agent Larry, away from his long, comfy marriage. It’s not a huge role, but it’s a powerful character with a great mind, who unexpectedly ends up catching the murderer. It’s her strong personality, confidence and never-ending charm that makes this a well-rounded addition to the movie, and an inspiration to many.
Annie Hall, “Annie Hall” (1977)
Annie Hall, played by Diane Keton, is the role of a lifetime, no doubts or mistakes there. A kind woman, as unique as they come, with her own quirks, flaws but fearless about being herself. It’s a role fit perfectly for Diane Keton, a character that isn’t written anywhere, but simply came to life fully-formed, breathing and talking – or so it seems, at least, a true testament of Allen’s ability to create real and formidable characters. From her unmistakable and totally individual style, to the sparky intelligence that flashes through the cracks in her exterior, Annie Hall is the embodiment of a lesson in moviemaking, that a character isn’t just plot, it’s absolutely everything.
Sally, “Husbands and Wives” (1992)
One of Woody Allen’s most satisfying and serious movies, Husbands and Wives brought to us a spectacular interpretation of a female character by none other than Judy Davis in the role of Sally, a strident and abrasive woman with impressive strength of will. Unapologetic and unaware of the loneliness inside her, we watch as herself and her husband decide to separate and reevaluate their relationship. It’s a character that isn’t a character, that feels too real to be considered a simple written role. Compelling, smart and defiant, Saly will forever be a character that has stayed in the list of the best female characters in Woody Allen movies.
Tina, “Broadway Danny Rose” (1984)
The gum-snapping, sunglass-wearing sexpot that is Tina in Broadway Danny Rose could not escape from our list of female characters in Woody Allen movies. How could she? Played by the incredible Mia Farrow, Tina comes to us with a depth that is amazing to witness considering her expression is hidden behind sunglasses. However, it’s a self-assured woman, no doubt about that, that knows every man that meet her will ultimately fall in love with her. Confidence, strength and power is what oozes from this character, and we couldn’t be more in favor of this incredible performance.
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