Customer Reviews

Woody Allen on Woody Allen

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A very relaxed and interesting discussion regarding the development of Allen's style and indivisual films that is very entertaining. This is an excellent companion to his earlier films. Bjorkman asks excellent questions that keep the discussion flowing in a chronological sense yet allow for Woody Allen to address many interssting topics related to his work.
The focus here is really the body of work and not Allen's personal life. Like sitting with a bottle of wine and talking to two intelligent filmmakers about their craft.

The only reason that I didn't give this book 5 stars in because it only goes up to Husbands & Wives. For anyone who loves Woody and wants to hear him speak in detail about his films, other films and his ideas, this book does not disapoint. I have many other books by or about filmmakers and this is certainly up there with the best. Woody talks about Bergman, Godard, Fellini, Truffaut, Hitchcock and many other filmmakers and films he likes. He discussed in depth each of his films from What's New Pussycat? to Husbands and Wives. This book is a must for fans of Woody Allen and for fans of film.

This book simply is a must for people who are interested in film!

Whether you love or hate Woody Allen's work, there is a great deal to learn on film history from this book.

Stig Björkman knows so much about all aspects of film and therefore delivers an outrageously professional interview. But still, the interviewer stays humble, asking questions showing a profound knowledge of the subject. Since Woody Allen is very good at answering in a direct but well thought about way, it never gets boring and never seems primitive that the book is written simply in direct dialogue.

What I personally appreciate as well is that the talk is purely about film and about Woody Allen as an artist - his private life does not enter unless it is closely related to the discussed subjects. So you get a very relevant view to Woody Allen's career. Because of Stig Björkman's high professionalism, and because of Woody Allen's conversation talent and open mind.

It never gets too intellectual either. In fact, it makes you want to watch the Woody Allen movies you haven't had the opportunity to watch yet.

The only minus is that the book is some years old so that it does not contain discussions on his recent very interesting films.

But as it is an unrejectable document on film history, "Woody Allen On Woody Allen" does belong on any film friends' bookshelf!

It is a relief to read a film book that refuses to degenerate in to the psycho-speculative ramblings of a [...] filmmaker. This book has the feel of a comfortable conversation with one of the most private 'celebrities' of this century. In an age where selling out is the great commodity, it is refreshing to hear from a man who has simply and steadily built an astonishing succession of low budget films. This book gives one intriguing glimpses into the 'Woody Allen' aesthetic, from his love of rain to his early days as a stand-up comic. If you're looking for dirt on his private life, don't bother, but if you're looking for an understanding of process and his distinctive viewpoint, then this is the book for you.

I no longer have to dream what it would be like to have a conversation with Woody Allen. What an intellect. He makes many references to literature, movies, especially foreign films and artists that he loves. These works are now on my must see and read list.

I loved learning the behind the scenes details of his movies, but now I wish someone would write a book about his personal philosophies of life. I find his religious, socio-political ideas rivoting, provoking, and unique. The book provides a glimpse into the workings of the inner mind of a genius.

My only complaint is that it wasn't longer.

Having read the vast array of literature on Woody Allen, I must conclude Stig Bjorkman's biography is a must-have for any self-professed Woody Allen fan. This book is a major page-turner offering great insight on Allen as a director/writer/actor, without disgressing into things (tidbits on his personal life, albeit juicy) that are really of little significance in the understanding and evaluation of this talented and prolific artist.

It was an interesting read. Interesting in that Woody seems to be answering Bjorkman's questions in a direct and frank manner, rather than resorting to humor, as his character did in, say, his movie Stardust Memories.

As the other reviews describe, Bjorkman takes Woody through each of films, and asks great questions. Even down to the subtleties of issues like why, since Annie Hall, he has used the same simple white-on-black titles. Other great topics include his use of music in film, and his writing and directing processes.

I always wondered these same type of things. So, for me, an interesting and wonderful read. A must for people who want to know what Woody's like this side of the camera.

A thoroughly engrossing interview book which takes the reader film by film through Woody's career. If you're a fan of his work, it is essential reading. There are many fascinating responses and lots of interesting trivia which may surprise the most avid of fans. (For example, Woody's 1987 film "September" was originally shot in its entirely with a completely different cast. It was later recast, reshot and re-edited.)

If you really want to read an in depth and intelligent conservation about the entire process of filmmaking from inception to completion, check out this book. Woody is very frank, candid and let's you take a glance inside his restless and constantly creative mind.

If you're more interested in form, craft and function than all the meaningless drivel pumped out in the popular press, then this book is for you. Bjorkman is knowledgable and unpretentious and Allen comes off as being much more self-aware and diligent than one might previously have thought.

Reading this book was like having dinner with Woody Allen while his films played on a wall behind us. I appreciated the European interviewer because it brought a fresh perspective to Allen's material. Getting Allen's insights into the characters in his films was worth the price, and, as you know, we all need the eggs.