Director Profile | Woody Allen and His Cinematic Romanticism 

For light-hearted, humorous and thought-provoking films, I highly recommend Woody Allen's.

Allen's upcoming film, "Wasp 22", could be his final work, as he intends to shift his focus to writing after retirement.

What do you associate with Woody Allen?

As a filmmaker, he has inspired numerous young and creative individuals, received 16 Oscar nominations, and is recognized for his clever screenwriting, comedy, and satire. Nevertheless, he has been a controversial figure, facing scrutiny during the #MeToo movement.

Despite controversy, I still consider Woody Allen one of my favorite directors. His humorously witty films explore themes of life's meaning and unconventional love, cleverly exposing the superficial side of the upper-middle class.

In tribute to this director, I will write a monthly series dedicated to Woody Allen. If you too are a fan, kindly follow me and join the discussion.

Let's begin this series with Woody Allen's latest book, "Apropps of Nothing".

Apropps of Nothing

"My heroes are not Raskolnikov, Yorknapatafa or the local bumpkin from Yuliya Solokh. They are Batman, Superman, The Flash, Aquaman, Hawkman, Donald Duck, Woody Woodpecker and Archie Andrews."

This passage, from Woody Allen's new book "Apropos of Nothing," may surprise some as it comes from a director well-known to many young artists, not a seasoned comic book fan or a Hollywood comic adaptation director. In it, Allen laments being seen as a "cultureless gangster-loving anti-humanist" and a "lonely uncultivated man."

This book is not serious, but rather a paper-based stand-up comedy similar to Woody Allen's lighthearted humor in his films. However, it offers insight into another side of Woody Allen, including his response to sexual assault allegations made by his adopted daughter, Mia Farrow. In short, reading this book is an interesting experience.

Woody Allen of Multiple Careers

With over 50 films and 145 award wins, Woody Allen is a household name in the American film industry. However, his other talents have been overshadowed by his successful career as a film director.

As a successful clarinet player, Woody Allen recalls in his autobiography how he discovered jazz during high school when a friend played him a tape recorder of a concert, inspiring him to learn the instrument and devote his life to jazz.

Finally, Woody Allen did not pursue a life dedicated to jazz.Despite delving into profound topics in his films, Woody Allen never saw himself as an intellectual. This is highlighted by his childhood fascination with superhero comics like Batman, Superman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Hawkman, which show that he values entertainment as much as highbrow culture.

Woody Allen's love for solitude is the reason behind his artistic career. "I always enjoyed anything that required alone time, like magic, playing the trumpet or writing, which allowed me to avoid interacting with others." Yes, Woody Allen was also an amateur magician. In his childhood, he learned some magic tricks from a book he found at a bar where his father worked.

Woody Allen's lifelong connection to New York is evident in his work, as he frequently revisits his childhood experiences in his films and writings. From walking along Park and Fifth Avenue to escaping into Central Park, the Manhattan of Hollywood movies captured his imagination at a young age. Despite being born in Brooklyn, Woody Allen's life ultimately found its fulfillment in Manhattan.

'Apropos of Nothing' Reveals Everything

Writing jokes turned out to be Woody Allen's true calling after exploring multiple career paths and hobbies.

At 19, he landed a job as a full-time humor writer for Herb Shriner and earned a weekly wage of $25. He then ventured into television show writing, earning up to $1,500 per week on special programs. Eventually, he transitioned to film directing from a successful hobby-turned-career.

Woody Allen's true recognition by the public began with his success as a stand-up comedian, which was short-lived as he soon became a talk show host and then found success on Broadway before transitioning to movies.

Woody Allen describes the paradox of human nature in his autobiography. Despite our tendency to complain about life's futility, we can react with intense vigor when faced with a threat, even if we choose to flee.

Similarly, in the movie "Annie Hall," he expresses a similar value system: "Two old ladies are traveling and dining in a restaurant. One complains, ‘The food in this place is terrible.’ The other replies, ‘Yes, and such small portions.’" And in the end, Woody Allen tells another joke: "A guy goes to a psychiatrist and says: ‘Doctor, my brother's crazy, he thinks he's a chicken.’ And the doctor says: ‘Well why don't you turn him in?’ The guy says: ‘I would, but I need the eggs.’"

The movie showcases Woody Allen's view on love: it's irrational, crazy, and absurd, yet essential in our lives like eggs.

Woody Allen's philosophy of life is embodied in the book "Apropos of Nothing," where we guard our lives instinctively, just as we need "eggs." In his book, he explores humans' search for God in a meaningless and cruel universe, where "eggs" symbolize a pursuit akin to God.

Woody Allen sees himself as a tragic creator trapped in the body of a stand-up comedian. He humorously suggests that his view of life as a tragedy or comedy changes with his blood sugar level, deconstructing his own outlook on life.

Approach this book with an open mind as the monologue of a movie director and stand-up comedian searching for the meaning of life. You‘ll find it's interesting!