About Hannah and Her Sisters (HBO)

Hannah and Her Sisters is an American comedy-drama directed by Woody Allen and released in 1986. The movie centres around the complicated lives of three sisters – Hannah, Lee and Holly and the men they are involved with. The story is narrated through a series of Thanksgiving dinners hosted by Hannah, highlighting the emotional complexities, unique bonds and challenging dynamics the three sisters share.

Making / Production

Produced by Robert Greenhut, the film was penned by Woody Allen himself. The distinctive cinematography was handled by Carlo Di Palma. The production was shot mostly in New York City, reflecting Allen’s love for the city, and the New York apartments give it a distinct, homey touch.

Actors

• Mia Farrow: As Hannah, Farrow narrates the emotional landscape of an actress who is also the responsible sibling and the spine of the family. She perfectly portrayed the ‘perfect’ woman with underlying struggles.
• Barbara Hershey: Hershey brings to life Lee, the complex middle sister. She speaks volumes with her taciturn gaze, struggling with her life choices.
• Dianne Wiest: As Holly, Wiest embodies the youngest sister who is still trying to find her footing in life. She oscillates between being an actor and a writer which Wiest plays with humor and pathos.
• Michael Caine: Caine, as Hannah’s husband Elliot, brings a conflicted man to life who is grappling with his feelings for Hannah’s sister, Lee. His portrayal earned him an Academy Award.
• Woody Allen: Allen plays Hannah's ex-husband Mickey, a man dealing with fear of death and questioning his religious beliefs.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was the first movie for which Woody Allen was credited as the role of "narrator".
• To keep it realistic, Allen often let the actors improvise during the film.
• Michael Caine's Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor was presented to him by Farrow herself, Allen’s then partner.

Awards

The film won multiple prestigious awards, including three Academy Awards. Woody Allen won for Best Original Screenplay, Michael Caine for Best Supporting Actor and Dianne Wiest for Best Supporting Actress.

Quotes

• “I had the craziest dream last night. I was dancing the white swan” - Mickey
• “I can't keep the bronzer on you. You never stop moving.” - Holly
• “But the thing of it is, I stood on the ledge and, you know, I really assumed that I'd get this fear of dying. But I didn't. I came to the fact that, you know, if I should fall, the worst that could happen is I go a little sooner.” - Mickey

Music, Soundtrack

• “I've Heard That Song Before” – Harry James
• “You Made Me Love You” - Harry James
• “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” - Linda Ronstadt