Hannah and Her Sisters

About Hannah and Her Sisters

Hannah and Her Sisters is an American comedy-drama film released in 1986. Written and directed by Woody Allen, the movie presents a story that revolves around three sisters: Hannah, Lee, and Holly, exploring their relationships with each other and their romantic entanglements. The movie is set over a two year period, marked by three Thanksgiving holiday get-togethers of their extended family.

Making / Production

The film was directed and written by Woody Allen, with Robert Greenhut serving as the producer. The cinematography was provided by Carlo Di Palma. Allen set the majority of the scenes within New York City, showcasing the unique and eclectic charm of the city.

Actors

• Mia Farrow as Hannah: As the eldest, successful, and seemingly perfect sister, Farrow delivers a deeply nuanced performance.
• Dianne Wiest as Holly: Wiest plays the most volatile sister, showcasing her characters' range of emotions with skill.
• Barbara Hershey as Lee: Hershey portrays the intellectual and vulnerable middle sister, navigating her complicated relationships.
• Woody Allen as Mickey Sachs: Allen plays Hannah's hypochondriac ex-husband who provides a comic perspective to the storyline.
• Michael Caine as Elliot: Caine delivers a sterling performance as Hannah's confounded husband who falls for her sister, Lee.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was initially supposed to be a murder mystery, but Woody Allen found the family relationships more interesting and centered the plot on them.
• This is one of the rare Woody Allen films that does not include the traditional jazz soundtrack.
• The title sequence is white text on a black background, which is used in all of Allen's films since and including Stardust Memories (1980).

Awards

The film won numerous awards including two Academy Awards. Dianne Wiest won for Best Supporting Actress and Michael Caine for Best Supporting Actor. Woody Allen also received the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Quotes

• "You missed a very dull TV show on Auschwitz. More gruesome film clips, and more puzzled intellectuals declaring their mystification over the systematic murder of millions. The reason they can never answer the question "How could it possibly happen?" is that it's the wrong question. Given what people are, the question is "Why doesn't it happen more often?'" - Mickey
• "Maybe the poets are right. Maybe love is the only answer." - Mickey

Music, Soundtrack

• "You Made Me Love You" - Harry James and His Orchestra
• "I've Heard That Song Before" - Harry James and His Orchestra
• "September Song" - Lotte Lenya