Crimes and Misdemeanors: Film & Discussion September 3, 2008

As part of their monthly film and discussion series, Cinema Verite presents what is perhaps Woody Allen’s most ambitious and morally complex film.

At times reminiscent of Igmar Bergman’s “Wild Strawberries” and the darker territories of the soul Allen would later return to in “Match Point,” “Crimes and Misdemeanors”
explores themes of good and evil, love and death, lust and murder, consequence and conscience, and attempts to reconcile religious faith in an unjust world.

When ophthalmologist Judah Rosenthal (Oscar-nominated Martin Landau) is threatened with ruin by his mistress if he doesn't marry her, he considers the ultimate solution to his problem: murder. Meanwhile, documentary filmmaker Clifford Stern is faced with an equally heinous moral dilemma: selling out. Allen compares the choices both men make, using a double storyline to brilliantly pair sharp comedy with harrowing drama.

Following the film a discussion will be held on inside the theater.

Tickets are $5 at the box office.

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