Watch Interiors

Interiors is a 1978 drama film directed by Woody Allen, known for his comedic films. However, Interiors is a different kind of movie for the audiences because it is a serious take on humanity, depression, and emotional turmoil. The film deals with three sisters, their respective marriages, and how their relationships begin to crumble under the weight of their complex emotional states. The opening credits set the tone for the film with a beautiful piano score from Gershwin, but the peacefulness fades quickly. The first image we see is of a woman walking out of her house, as if escaping something within. We meet Eve (Geraldine Page), a high-strung, perfectionist interior decorator who is going through a divorce from her husband, Arthur (E.G Marshall). Eve’s three daughters - Renata (Diane Keaton), Flyn (Kristin Griffith), and Joey (Mary Beth Hurt) rally around to support their mother during her time of need. The film follows the tumultuous journey of these characters as they navigate through the web of their issues. All three daughters possess complicated personal lives. Renata, the oldest daughter, is in an unhappy marriage with a successful writer, Frederick (Richard Jordan). Renata is a talented poet, but she is losing her inner self among the luxuries of her life. Her creative and artistic abilities are not given enough space to breathe, and she finds it difficult to express herself personally and artistically. Renata grows close to her friend, Mike (Sam Waterston), who is also a writer, and they form a bond over their shared artistic sensibilities. The middle daughter, Flyn, is attempting to find her place in the world with her new marriage to Mike. She is a lost soul trying to find something that is just out of reach. Flyn feels like she is constantly chasing after her dreams, but they are always slipping away. Mike loves her and wants to build a life together, but Flyn is unsure if she has the emotional and personal growth to share a life with him. The youngest daughter, Joey, is an aspiring actress who is trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood. Joey is the character who seems the most grounded and relatable. But the lure of fame and success in the entertainment industry is a double-edged sword. Joey’s love for her mother and sisters is strong, but her dreams threaten to overtake her reality. These three sisters are entwined in their familial dynamics, but each has unique issues that they must confront. The performances from the cast are exceptional, with Diane Keaton standing out in her role as Renata. She portrays the character with the meticulous attention to detail that one expects from an Allen character. From the way she speaks to the way she moves, Keaton delivers a nuanced performance that is sensitive and powerful. Geraldine Page, as Eve, is transformative as a woman struggling with depression and anxiety. Her portrayal of a mother who is trying to hold her family together through sheer willpower is heartbreaking. The cinematography by legendary cinematographer Gordon Willis is a standout aspect of the film. The film has a muted, cool-toned aesthetic that signals the seriousness of the issues at hand. The interiors are shot with a keen eye for detail, showcasing the character’s personalities through the minimalist sets. The contrast between the sterile, cold interiors and the tumultuous emotions of the characters creates an interesting dynamic. Interiors is a film that is not easy to watch. The emotions that the characters go through and the issues that the film deals with are not light-hearted fare. But the film is a compelling exploration of human emotion and the complexities that come with familial relationships. Woody Allen’s Interiors is an artistic achievement that pushed the boundaries of what audiences expected from him, and it stands the test of time as a powerful, memorable piece of cinema.