On a conceptual level, I think the idea of inserting the classic neurotic Woody-Allen-type character into an homage to German Expressionist filmmaking is quite funny, but in the end, Shadows and Fog is one of Woody Allen's weaker films. It’s not bad—the cinematography is gorgeous, and the film is entertaining throughout—but it’s not a particularly compelling narrative, nor is the comedy as sharp as it normally is by Allen standards. It still made me laugh a fair number of times, but I can’t see myself revisiting it in the future. As it stands, it’s one of the more disposable Allen films, though, as I always say, Allen at his worst is still pretty good.
On a conceptual level, I think the idea of inserting the classic neurotic Woody-Allen-type character into an homage to German Expressionist filmmaking is quite funny, but in the end, Shadows and Fog is one of Woody Allen's weaker films. It’s not bad—the cinematography is gorgeous, and the film is entertaining throughout—but it’s not a particularly compelling narrative, nor is the comedy as sharp as it normally is by Allen standards. It still made me laugh a fair number of times, but I can’t see myself revisiting it in the future. As it stands, it’s one of the more disposable Allen films, though, as I always say, Allen at his worst is still pretty good.
