Comparing The Film 'Crimes And Misdemeanors'
Philosophical Issues in Film
Freedom and Responsibility
Crimes and Misdemeanors In Woody Allen’s film “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” the main characters face problems with morals, choices, and personal responsibilities that cloud their lives. There are two storylines that at first don’t seem to mix, but in the end come to an interesting connection when both main characters meet. Both stories are tales of adultery, but one also involves murder, and embezzlement.
In the first storyline, Woody Allen’s character, Cliff, is a failing documentary director trapped in a loveless marriage and only finds release from life in the movie theater. Cliff dislikes his wife’s brother Lester who, unfortunately, is hiring Cliff to make a documentary of his
successful career. To Cliff, Lester is the embodiment of everything he hates. While filming the documentary, Cliff begins to fall in love with Halley, one of the network producers of Lester’s documentary. At first Cliff sees Halley as someone he can be genuine with and have a real conversation with. They discuss Cliff’s plan for a documentary on a famous philosopher and begin to enjoy each others’ company. After several date, movies and discussions, Cliff realizes he is in love with Halley, but morally trapped by his marriage. According to him, “My heart says one thing, but head says something else.”
In the end, Cliff decides to leave his wife for Halley. Unfortunately, Halley has other plans. Halley leaves for business in London and comes back in love with Lester, the man whom she and Cliff spent days making fun of. Her selfish decision leaves Cliff heartbroken and without any relationship, evens a loveless one.
The second storyline involves a wealthy ophthalmologist named Judah. Judah has been having an ongoing affair with a woman named Dolores. He finds his morals and decides to end his affair. Dolores has other ideas. She wants Judah to leave his wife and marry her. She begins to blackmail Judah with threats of telling his wife, and revealing the embezzlement scandals Judah has been partaking in. In a panic, Judah eventually turns to his brother Jack for help with the situation. Jack suggests the less than ideal option of hiring a hit man to kill Dolores. At first, Judah is appalled by the idea of killing another person, but as Dolores’ threats become more of a problem, he gives in and gives Jack the green light for the hit. After the horrid deed is done, Judah receives a call to inform him of Dolores’ death. Only then does Judah realize the mistake he’s made and guilt pressures the desire to turn himself in. Jack talks sense into Judah telling him that he is not just hurting himself, but also his brother, and his practice. Judah continues to lie to the police and keep himself out of prison while, at the same time, feeling extremely guilty.
I believe this entire film is a perfect example of W.T. Stace’s view on determinism. Both characters exert their free will while at the same time not getting a choice on the eventual outcome. Cliff chose to leave his wife for Halley, but had no choice in her choosing Lester. Judah had the choices of either telling his wife about the affair and ruin his career, leaver his wife for Dolores, or get rid of Dolores. His choice caused him great guilt and regret for a while, but eventually seemed to work out for the best. Both plots show the cause and effect Stace writes about, and also shows there can be free will and predetermined outcomes.
Freedom and Responsibility
Crimes and Misdemeanors In Woody Allen’s film “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” the main characters face problems with morals, choices, and personal responsibilities that cloud their lives. There are two storylines that at first don’t seem to mix, but in the end come to an interesting connection when both main characters meet. Both stories are tales of adultery, but one also involves murder, and embezzlement.
In the first storyline, Woody Allen’s character, Cliff, is a failing documentary director trapped in a loveless marriage and only finds release from life in the movie theater. Cliff dislikes his wife’s brother Lester who, unfortunately, is hiring Cliff to make a documentary of his
successful career. To Cliff, Lester is the embodiment of everything he hates. While filming the documentary, Cliff begins to fall in love with Halley, one of the network producers of Lester’s documentary. At first Cliff sees Halley as someone he can be genuine with and have a real conversation with. They discuss Cliff’s plan for a documentary on a famous philosopher and begin to enjoy each others’ company. After several date, movies and discussions, Cliff realizes he is in love with Halley, but morally trapped by his marriage. According to him, “My heart says one thing, but head says something else.”
In the end, Cliff decides to leave his wife for Halley. Unfortunately, Halley has other plans. Halley leaves for business in London and comes back in love with Lester, the man whom she and Cliff spent days making fun of. Her selfish decision leaves Cliff heartbroken and without any relationship, evens a loveless one.
The second storyline involves a wealthy ophthalmologist named Judah. Judah has been having an ongoing affair with a woman named Dolores. He finds his morals and decides to end his affair. Dolores has other ideas. She wants Judah to leave his wife and marry her. She begins to blackmail Judah with threats of telling his wife, and revealing the embezzlement scandals Judah has been partaking in. In a panic, Judah eventually turns to his brother Jack for help with the situation. Jack suggests the less than ideal option of hiring a hit man to kill Dolores. At first, Judah is appalled by the idea of killing another person, but as Dolores’ threats become more of a problem, he gives in and gives Jack the green light for the hit. After the horrid deed is done, Judah receives a call to inform him of Dolores’ death. Only then does Judah realize the mistake he’s made and guilt pressures the desire to turn himself in. Jack talks sense into Judah telling him that he is not just hurting himself, but also his brother, and his practice. Judah continues to lie to the police and keep himself out of prison while, at the same time, feeling extremely guilty.
I believe this entire film is a perfect example of W.T. Stace’s view on determinism. Both characters exert their free will while at the same time not getting a choice on the eventual outcome. Cliff chose to leave his wife for Halley, but had no choice in her choosing Lester. Judah had the choices of either telling his wife about the affair and ruin his career, leaver his wife for Dolores, or get rid of Dolores. His choice caused him great guilt and regret for a while, but eventually seemed to work out for the best. Both plots show the cause and effect Stace writes about, and also shows there can be free will and predetermined outcomes.