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How does Manhattan portray New York City?

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Woody Allen speaking into a microphone with hands raised beside his face during a press conference, against a red background. — Woody Allen American director Woody Allen attending a press conference for *Café Society* before the opening of the 69th Cannes film festival, 2016.

In the 1979 film Manhattan, Woody Allen portrays New York City as an object of deep affection. The film serves as a lyrical ode to the city, characterized by its stunning black-and-white cinematography by Gordon Willis and a musical score featuring the works of George Gershwin.1

Rather than a simple backdrop, the city is presented through a polished and artistic lens that reflects Allen’s personal love for the metropolis. The narrative follows a television writer navigating his career and complicated romantic life, capturing a sophisticated yet introspective atmosphere that distinguishes the film as one of Allen's most significant works.1