Everyone Says I Love You

Everyone Says I Love You is a charming, star-studded, and whimsically melodic film from 1996 written and directed by Woody Allen. A perfect example of Allen's penchant for crafting brilliantly nuanced stories, the movie is a delightful musical comedy set in the picturesque landscapes of New York, Venice, and Paris, and showcasing an impressive ensemble cast led by Woody Allen, Goldie Hawn, and Julia Roberts.

Unlike most conventional musicals, "Everyone Says I Love You" is far from your typical song-and-dance cinematic adventure. Unique and endearing, it breaks the boundaries between fantasy and reality with the kind of effortless charm that only a veteran like Woody Allen could have brought to the table. Ingeniously integrating songs into everyday life situations, the characters burst into song as a natural form of expression, giving us a rare glimpse into Allen's envisionment of a music-filled world.

Central to the plot is the well-to-do Holdens, a somewhat dysfunctional yet loving family residing in New York City. Family patriarch, Bob (Alan Alda), is a wealthy, politically correct publisher, married to Steffi (Goldie Hawn), a former actress who works on humanitarian projects in her spare time. Their multi-generational East Side Manhattan household is reminiscent of a screwball comedy setup with quirky family members each navigating their way through a series of romantic entanglements and heartbreak.

One of the overarching storylines involves Woody Allen himself, playing Bob’s former wife’s ex-husband, the neurotic writer Joe. Eternally nervous and endearing, Joe’s journey forms the soul of the film as he deals with divorce and romantic misadventures. Julia Roberts stars as Von, a woman taken by Joe's tales and wit, perfectly conveying the theme of love, identity, and confusion central to the plot.

Another delightful story arc involves the love-stricken daughter of the family, Skylar (Drew Barrymore), who's engaged to a slightly idealistic Holden (Edward Norton), but whose engagement is put into jeopardy by a sudden appearance of an ex-convict played by Tim Roth. Everyone navigates the rough waters and joyous breezes of love, fostering sentiments that bring them all together.

It's the ensemble cast that truly makes this film stand out. The characters are flawed yet lovable, and their surprisingly good musical performances make the movie even more enjoyable. Allen, for one, convincingly delivers his role as Joe with expected neurotic and comedic flair. Julia Roberts is enchanting as Von, bringing in the required depth and relatability to a character caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Goldie Hawn as Steffi is radiant and ethereal, gracefully becoming part of Allen's vision of a song-filled world.

The musical numbers, well-known tunes by the likes of Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, are performed spontaneously and with gusto by the cast, many of whom are not professional singers. This approach gives the scenes a somewhat raw and authentic feel, and the actors’ imperfect singing voices lend a certain charm that enhances the relatability of their characters.

As with many of Woody Allen's films, the locations are portrayed so beautifully they become characters in themselves. Whether it's the dreamy canals of Venice, the romantic idealism of Paris, or the chaotic beauty of New York, each location has its vivid personality, echoing the film's many moods. Moreover, the film is beautifully shot with nostalgic colors, and the production design and costumes are refined, stylish, and reflect the comfortable yet chaotic world in which these individuals live.

"Everyone Says I Love You" is a delightful foray into the world of musicals for Woody Allen and a charming film for those who appreciate cinema slightly out of the ordinary. With its rich narrative, engaging performances, and a refreshingly different approach to a musical, it stands as a testament to Allen's versatility as a storyteller and filmmaker. If you enjoy quirkiness, whimsical humor, and bittersweet romance, this film is an engaging and enjoyable cinematic experience to dive into. It is a piece of cinematic work that charmingly highlights the chaotic simplicity of love, life, and everything in between, reflected in the poignant lyrics of the many songs that fill this enchanting movie - after all, as the title implies, “Everyone Says I Love You”.