VOX Movie Night: Hannah & Her Sisters (1986)

For the last film in our 'Joie de Vivre' theme, we will be showing a suggestion from one of our members: Hannah & Her Sisters (1986), written and directed by American cinematic institution Woody Allen. This movie was made during one of Allen's many creative peaks - one of the most prolific American directors of all time, he has managed to churn out a new film every year since 1982. Hannah & Her Sisters did not escape praise, it won three Oscar's upon its release (including Best Original Screenplay) and ranks as one of Allen’s most successful films at the box office. It boasts an ensemble cast including British icon Sir Michael Caine, Mia Farrow, and Woody himself in a minor-ish role, among other stars.

The plot follows three successive family Thanksgiving dinners marking time for Hannah (Mia Farrow), her younger sisters Lee (Barbara Hershey) and Holly (Dianne Wiest) and the men in their lives. Lee is having an affair with Hannah's husband, Elliot (Michael Caine), and trying to end her Svengali-like romance with artist Frederick (Max von Sydow). Holly is frustrated by her lack of career fulfillment and her increasing dependence on Hannah's largesse, while being courted by the hypochondriac Mickey (Woody Allen).

This film borrows a lot from one of Allen's greatest influences, the cinematic humanist Ingmar Bergman, featuring a narrative setup that is an homage to Bergman's Fanny & Alexander - only 'Woodified', one might say. It explores typical themes in Allen's oeuvre: The unpredictability of love and romance, taboo relationships, family, neuroses, religion, & the meaning of life. And, of course, it features his classic writing style, his wit comes at the viewer like a flurry of jabs from an agile boxer.

Free! Themed drinks & snacks will be provided!

Movie enthusiasts take note! TU Delft now has a film club that will meet every Thursday night outside of exam periods. We’ll explore all sorts of movies from around the world, in different themes, with some light snacks and drinks. Come join us for the next sessions in February. If you want to get more personalized updates and to chat with the community, join the VOX Film Club WhatsApp group through this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gi6Mq1UlKr38CyzsyUIFbc

Organised by: VOX and Stadium Generale