The Problem of "High Culture" Comedy: How Annie Hall (1977) Complicated Woody Allen's Reputation
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2013
Abstract
This article furthers the study of film comedy examining how perceived distinctions of "high culture" give rise to a sociological "problem" in the reputation of comedians. This article explains how Woody Allen's acclaimed film Annie Hall (1977) was perceived by critics as a transitional comedy--moving from the immediate, visual jokes seen in Allen's previous films, to more cognitive, script-based humor. Whereas many critics perceived this shift as Allen's ascension to "high" culture, according to the same critical distinctions, some critics were disappointed by what was also perceived as his move away from expectations of the "comedy" genre.
DOI
10.1080/01956051.2012.755489
Recommended Citation
Symons, Alex. "The Problem of "High Culture" Comedy: How Annie Hall (1977) Complicated Woody Allen's Reputation." Journal of Popular Film & Television 41.3 (2013): 118-127.
