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Sidewalks of New York (Ed Burns) 2001 / Husbands and Wives (Woody Allen) 1992
The two films do differ somewhat, however. Allen’s film really focused on the dynamics of a relationship. In his film, we saw the manipulations and passive aggressive tendencies that were necessary to achieve any sort of personal happiness when you were married to another person. It was a far more cynical and enlightening view of relationships than what Burns presents in Sidewalks. Burns’ stories mostly focus on the need for love versus the need for sex. It’s a good bit more facile than Allen’s film, so it’s exceptionally fortunate that Burns infuses the film with a sense of good-heartedness. The characters are all rather likable, and if I had to choose to spend actual time with either this cast or the cast of Husbands, I would pick Sidewalks’ easily. It has to be said that although Burns draws some terrific performances from his cast (a bubbly Brittany Murphy and a surprisingly intelligent and vulnerable Heather Graham are the standouts here) he doesn’t have a script that digs exceptionally deeply. Allen’s film goes deeper than any romantic comedy that I could name, and his skill with his actors pays dividends. Every performance in the ensemble, with the possible exception of Liam Neeson’s small role, is a stunner. Allen’s script’s humor mostly arises when his characters say that they will do one thing, and then a few scenes later do the exact opposite. He rarely underlines these discrepancies, which makes the film feel as if it is subtly snickering at them, rather than being completely judgmental of their actions.
Allen’s film is far more adult, and far more serious, and even if it has less love in its heart for its characters, the bit that shines through feels as if at has been earned. Like Sidewalks, Husbands and Wives’ release was surrounded by a controversy that’s nearly impossible to escape while viewing the film. It was the last film that Woody Allen and Mia Farrow made together before their relationship disintegrated, and as a result Farrow’s role as a manipulative shrew seems a manipulation in itself. It’s a far more complex and patient character than any Burns has created thus far, and Farrow’s portrayal of her is filled with the blackest comic energy imaginable. Allen’s middle-aged character undergoes an affair with Rain (Juliette Lewis), a smart young college student, which is a subplot that might make some audience members squirm. A similar relationship in Burns’ film tellingly has little of the same effect. To me, the willingness to explore these issues is artistically brave, and Allen’s paid the price for his supposed sins. It is about time that Husbands and Wives be revaluated on its own terms and seen as the masterpiece that it is. Sidewalks of New York is a very enjoyable film on its own terms, even as it pales in comparison. For less adventurous viewers though, the likable cast and warm tone might even make it preferable. Sidewalks of New York - * * * 1/2 Husbands and Wives - * * * * Masterpiece 11-25-01 Jeremy Heilman
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