Watch September
- PG
- 1987
- 1 hr 22 min
-
6.5 (10,503)
September is a 1987 drama film directed by Woody Allen. The movie is set in a country house in Vermont. Allen's direction keeps things almost completely contained within the house, with little interference from the outside world. Although the film was met with mixed reviews by critics upon its release, September is considered one of Allen's most serious works.
The story takes place over several days in September, bringing together a group of eight people in a country house in Vermont. Two of the main characters are Lane (Mia Farrow) and her mother, Diane (Elaine Stritch). Lane, an unsuccessful actress, has returned to the country house to recover from a nervous breakdown. Her mother, Diane, is a famous actress who is facing the end of her career. Along with Lane and Diane, the group of guests includes Lane's former boyfriend, Peter (Sam Waterston), a writer, Howard (Denholm Elliott), and his wife, Stephanie (Dianne Wiest), Lane's best friend, Stephanie's brother, Phil (Jack Warden), and her young daughter, Molly (Irving Metzman).
The first half of the movie is spent getting to know the characters and establishing their relationships with each other. Despite the fact that they all know each other, it quickly becomes clear that there are secrets that each of them is keeping hidden. Diane, for example, is a difficult and sometimes cruel mother, who never misses an opportunity to criticize Lane. Lane, on the other hand, is unhappy with her life and is unsure of what the future holds for her.
As the days go by, tensions start to rise between the characters. Old wounds are opened up and hurtful past events are brought to the surface. With the arrival of Howard, who is Diane's former lover, the group becomes even more uncomfortable. While Lane is attracted to him, Howard is in love with Diane, which causes further conflict.
Despite the tension, Allen's direction keeps the film moving and the audience engaged. The camera never leaves the house, and as the events unfold, the audience is left to wonder how this group of people will reconcile their differences. The cinematography by Carlo Di Palma is nothing short of stunning, capturing the mood of autumn in Vermont beautifully. The film's gentle score by Dick Hyman also adds to the sense of melancholy that pervades the story.
September is a character-driven movie, and the performances are all excellent. Stritch's portrayal of Diane is particularly noteworthy, and she delivers some of the film's most memorable lines. Farrow is also excellent as Lane, conveying both vulnerability and strength. Denholm Elliott, as always, is a standout in his role as Howard, projecting just the right amount of charm and vulnerability.
Ultimately, September is a film about the complex relationships between people. It is about the things that are left unsaid, the secrets that we keep, and the ways in which we hurt each other. While the movie does not offer easy answers, it is a thoughtful exploration of the human condition. Allen's direction is masterful, and the nuanced performances by the cast make it a movie worth watching.
September is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.