Crimes and Misdemeanors

Woody Allen's well-crafted story comes with a light touch, but ultimately hits like a haymaker. The subtle descent of Martin Landau's compromised ophthalmologist into further and further depths makes for riveting viewing, and while the secondary storyline--Allen and Alan Alda vie for the same woman--is less compelling, each tale reaches the same ending in a fascinating climax. Brief philosophical discussions, both bloodless and vibrant, and some crafty symbolism tie the whole thing together in a resolution that is surprising and provocative (and sadly, probably true). The film's impact comes not just in that resolution, but even past that ending, when you're thinking about it a day or two later. A powerful film.