How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Annie Hall.
Quote #7
ALVY: You know, I don't think I could take a mellow evening because I—I don't respond well to mellow. You know what I mean? I have a tendency to—if I get too mellow, I, I ripen and then rot, you know.
Here's another flash of Alvy's self-awareness. It also demonstrates Alvy's self-effacing humor. In other words, Alvy knows he's kind of a pain in the butt.
Quote #8
ANNIE: You only gave me books with the word "death" in the title.
Okay, so maybe Alvy's not completely self-aware. Or, if he is, he doesn't have any grand designs on ditching his neuroses.
Quote #9
ANNIE: Alvy, you're incapable of enjoying life, you know that? I mean you're like New York City. You're just this person. You're like this island unto yourself.
ALVY: I can't enjoy anything unless I, unless everybody is. I, you know—if one guy is starving someplace, that's, you know, I, I, it puts a crimp in my evening.
Speaking of not shedding his anxiety and negativity, it sure sounds like Alvy's making excuses for his neurotic behavior here.