
Manhattan (1979): Romance, Narcissism, and the Myth of Seriousness
From My Favourite Films by Nine Ladies Productions
February 20, 2026 · 19 min · Episode 8
About this episode
This episode explores the themes and visual style of Woody Allen's film Manhattan.
In this episode, we explore Woody Allen’s Manhattan (1979) — a film as visually elegant as it is morally unsettled. Shot in luminous black and white and underscored by George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Manhattan presents New York City as both a romantic fantasy and a psychological refuge.
Topics covered
- film analysis
- romance
- narcissism
- psychological themes
- New York City
- Woody Allen
Keywords
- Manhattan
- Woody Allen
- Rhapsody in Blue
- New York City
- romance
- narcissism
- film analysis
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Manhattan, Rhapsody in Blue
Places: New York City
More episodes of My Favourite Films
- Annie Hall (1977): Memory, Love, and the Reinvention of the Romantic Comedy · March 9, 2026 · 25 min
- Hannah and Her Sisters (1986): Love, Faith, and the Art of Endurance · February 27, 2026 · 14 min
- Marnie (1964): Trauma, Control, and the Cost of Desire · February 10, 2026 · 14 min
- Episode 6 - Rope - Murder, Morality, and the Illusion of Control · January 30, 2026 · 12 min
- Episode 5 - The Birds: When Nature Turns Silent · January 28, 2026 · 10 min
- Episode 4 - North by Northwest: Identity, Desire, and the Perfect Chase · January 27, 2026 · 10 min
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