Tags
1980's, Comedy, Danny Aiello, Fantasy, Jeff Daniels, Mia Farrow, Romance, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Woody Allen
Film Title
The Purple Rose of Cairo
Director
Woody Allen
Starring
- Mia Farrow as Cecilia
- Jeff Daniels as Tom Baxter/ Gil Shepherd
- Danny Aiello as Monk
A comical, bittersweet movie about the magic of cinema and the line between reality and illusion, Woody Allen’s The Purple Rose of Cairo is tinted with a heartwarming yet poignant charm and own sort of magic that makes it a lovely film.
It is the Great Depression and in New Jersey the poor, put upon waitress Cecilia is trying make ends meet as best as she can. She is trapped in a loveless marriage to the abusive and lazy Monk, who is unemployed but has no intention of getting a job as he is too busy drinking and gambling. To escape her humdrum and miserable life, Cecilia takes refuge in going to the cinema and becoming lost in the movies she watches. Her latest favourite movie is entitled The Purple Rose of Cairo and she has developed a liking of the explorer character Tom. While watching the movie for yet another time, something truly remarkable happens. Tom breaks the fourth wall and literally leaps off-screen, desperate to know the meek Cecilia. Astonished by this, she finds herself swept off her feet by the good-hearted Tom and finds herself growing attached to him, despite the fact that he is a fictional character who has entered reality. The actions of Tom leaving the film sends a wave of pandemonium through the cinema as Tom’s co-stars have no idea what to do without him in the scene, audience members become disgruntled that the movie is changed and even the studio producing the movie begins to panic about what will happen in the fall out.
Meanwhile, Cecilia experiences adventures and love with the heroic Tom, who begins to realise that real life is a whole lot different from the glitz of movies. However, another surprise is on the way for Cecilia. The studio behind the movie has contacted Gil Shepherd, the actor who essayed the role of Tom and have sent him to New Jersey to see if he can repair any damage done. In contrast to the gentle and brave Tom, the man behind it is obsessed with keeping his career up and a little full of himself. But upon arrival, he begins to become enchanted with Cecilia too. Now it is up to Cecilia to decide whether to choose either the charming Tom or slightly arrogant Gil or return to the doldrums of her life.
Woody Allen displays masterful direction and writing throughout this bittersweet gem. He lovingly delves into the way that cinema has an impact on people and how it can provide literal and emotional escape from life’s troubles. He peppers events with humour, but it is underpinned by a poignancy that makes The Purple Rose of Cairo very moving. The film is full of delightful highlights from the sight of the movie stars on the screen bickering with discontented customers who want their money back to Tom and Gil confronting each other in amusing fashion, it is hard to fault The Purple Rose of Cairo in terms of ambition and clarity. Allen clearly knows that the audience can each view themselves like Cecilia, and with his beautiful direction and criss cross between comedy, drama and touching romantic fantasy, the results will definitely move you. The cinematography crafts the atmosphere outside as grim and troubled but employs brighter shades when Tom burst off-screen and lights up Cecilia’s life that has been in darkness for too long. A very good jazz score underlines the developing romance of the movie and brings both joy and sadness to the proceedings.
Mia Farrow turns in a beautifully touching performance as the downtrodden Cecilia. We immediately feel sympathy for her and her circumstances and we’d all love to just reach through the screen and comfort her. Farrow’s performance is so nuanced and filled with little things that make it work; the way her face lights up when viewing the eponymous movie, her silent tears as she realises her position in the world and the giddy sense of delight she feels as Tom courts her. All of this and more is found in a lovely performance from Mia Farrow. Jeff Daniels adroitly portrays two very different characters and delineates their opposing personalities and characteristics. Tom on one hand is the ideal guy with affable charm, whereas Gil is a cynical man more concerned with having nothing ruin his career. Daniels, who I always think can be underrated by many as an actor, shows exceptional talent here by embodying the two characters very well and helping form the emotional core of the movie, along with Mia Farrow. As Cecilia’s boorish husband who berates her at every turn, Danny Aiello is well cast.
Beautifully written, directed and acted, with true depth to the story as well as humour, The Purple Rose of Cairo is a purely magical film making from Woody Allen that delivers warmth and pathos to the story of escaping life with the powers of celluloid.
Not a woody fan, but this sounds like something I’ll watch when it comes round. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even if you are not a Woody fan, the movie is still very touching and shows the power of cinema.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You summed this up very well. Allen’s love of cinema and jazz (he plays clarinet in a band) comes across in every frame. The concept is almost magical, and he pulls it off admirably, with a great cast.
Good one mate, on to the next Woody classic!
Cheers, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As you said, you can clearly see that Allen loves cinema and jazz music, which are utilized amazingly here. I was so moved by the magic of the story and the relatable concept of escaping life with the world of cinema.
LikeLike
Nice review, Vinnieh. I’ve been wanting to watch this one and forgot all about it. Now I’m interested again. Thanks for that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I think you will love this Cindy. It’s sublime and funny, but with a bittersweet tone to it
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for commenting man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I may watch this one. I hope it doesn’t make me cry ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a very touching film but it has moments of humour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even though I’m not a fan of Woody Allen’s perhaps I’ll check this out sometime. Superlative review as always Vinnie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a feeling you will find this movie to be extremely magical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice review Vinnie! It sounds like you enjoyed this one, I really loved the idea of mixing reality with fiction on screen in a movie ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was an ambitious idea that was rendered with heart and clarity. Movies truly are magical things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed they are ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think I could live without movies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on wwwpalfitness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think this is one of my fave Woody Allen films. Look at young Jeff Daniels! I like the premise and it was pretty sweet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This movie just really drew me in with the premise and how it looked at the impact cinema has on people. Daniels was on fine form portraying two very different characters. Thanks for commenting Ruth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really loved this film. I love Woody Allen films in general, but this one was a cut above.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a magical movie, I could so relate to the feelings of escaping with the power of cinema.
LikeLike
Which is what movies are suppose to do. Offer escape. ‘o)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, movies can transport us to different worlds if they are good.
LikeLiked by 1 person