Marion Post (Rowland) is a philosophy professor who is taking a leave of absence to write a book and who has rented an apartment to be able to do this peacefully and without any interruptions. The apartment is next door to the office of a psychiatrist and she realizes that she can hear the sessions through the air vents. At first she covers the vents to prevent invading the patients' privacy, but later she hears the sad voice of a woman (Mia Farrow) after one of the cushions covering the vent moves from its place. From that moment on she is hooked and cannot help herself, so she continues eavesdropping into the sessions of the mysterious woman.

Marion starts identifying herself with some of the accounts of this woman and understands that she may actually be dissatisfied with her life too, mainly with her choice of husband and career. From that point forward the psychological aspects of the story become the central focus around which the action revolves. The dreams, memories and reality of Marion's life interact with each other, making us doubt at times if certain events are really happening or not. The final result is an interesting look at the psyche of the main character and her relationship with others.

As it is usual in Allen's movies, there are coincidences galore with chance encounters that reunite old friends and current acquaintances, but the story remains believable all the time. One of the most notable aspects of the film is the outstanding cast, with Rowland playing her role to perfection and other renowned actors and actresses adding their fair share. The performance of Gene Hackman is praiseworthy, and even though his participation is fairly brief, he leaves a lasting impression. If you have not seen any films by Woody Allen, this one is as good a place as any to start.

Woody Allen's finest
Review date: 2004-01-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

It's a shame that Woody Allen doesn't dare to make serious movies anymore. This is right up there with the best of Bergman, who has long influenced Allen's work. Everything about this film is perfect, with a sublime performance from Rowlands and Allen's masterful script which manages to be insightful, human and, despite his influences, entirely original.

An Exercise in Reflection
Review date: 2002-12-02 Rating: 6 out of 10

Possibly the least comic of Woody Allen's films, Another Woman nonetheless ploughs his familiar terrain of psychoanalysis in the setting of his beloved Manhattan. The chance (sic!) overhearing of a conversation in a neighbouring office sets off an investigation of the psyche of the accidental snoop (Gena Rowlands). In some ways the film is a cover version of(or perhaps a palimpsest on) Bergman's Wild Strawberries and it certainly draws heavily on the dream sequences. Those expecting a film in the tradition of Love and Death or Play it Again Sam should look elsewhere, but, for those who have kept the faith despite the scandals of recent years, this film gives more insight into the filmic sources of Allen's blackest humour than many of his funniest.

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