Woody Does Expressionism? Shadows and Fog Throwback

Okay, so I just rewatched "Shadows and Fog" (1991). Anyone remember this one? Woody Allen going all… German Expressionist? Seriously, the stark black and white, the deep shadows, the weird angles... it felt like a direct homage to "M". I mean, Max Shreck's performance in "Nosferatu" probably influenced Woody on this one, and he probably didn't think anyone would notice lol. Anyway, I'm a sucker for that kinda stuff, so I was immediately hooked. I think it's interesting how he put Mia Farrow as the kind waitress-performer and then cast himself as the nebbish bookkeeper Kleinman, wandering around in the fog. It's the kind of role he plays well, but he kind of mumbles through most of it. The whole thing is so surreal and unsettling, it's kinda like a nightmare you have after watching too much silent film. But there's still a fair amount of Woody Allen's usual humor sprinkled through, which makes this movie difficult to categorize for me. Madonna's in it too, huh? I really forgot about that part. I will say the ending felt a little rushed and unsatisfying for such a build up. It's definitely not one of Woody's most popular, and maybe rightfully so. I can see why some people might find it pretentious or confusing. But, I dunno there's something about it that keeps me coming back. It's different. It's ambitious. And frankly in today's movie landscape it's nice to see directors take a chance, y'know? Ultimately, if you're into older movies, classic horror, or just want to see Woody Allen try something completely off the wall, I'd say give "Shadows and Fog" a shot. But, yeah, just don't expect "Annie Hall."