Woody Allen and Philosophy: You Mean My Whole Fallacy Is Wrong? (Paperback)

~ Aeon J. Skoble (Editor), (Editor) "Other than sex and art, the one thing that the characters in Woody Allen's movies talk about most is the meaning of life, in one..." (more)
Key Phrases: unlimited voyeurism, jade scorpion, pragmatic optimism, New York, Betty Ann, Annie Hall (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a good mix of academics and entertainment, and dedicated Woody Allen fans will find this a fascinating read." -- Back Stage, October 29, 2004

"Those who stick with this book will experience their next Woody Allen encounter at a much deeper level." -- Foreword, January 1, 2005

Product Description

Comedian, writer, director, actor, musician, and deep thinker, Woody Allen is clearly trying to say something, but what? And why should anyone care? Fifteen philosophers representing different schools of thought answer these questions, focusing on different works and varied aspects of Allen's multifaceted output. These essays explore such topics as how Schopenhauer's theory of humor emerges in Annie Hall; why, for all his apparent pessimism, Allen gives a brighter alternative to the Bogartian nihilism of film noir; the importance of integrity for the Good Life, as found in Manhattan; and the fact that just because the universe is meaningless and life is pointless is no reason to commit suicide. Also here are droll, probing essays on why hedonism is a health hazard, and why, despite the fact that Earth may be swallowed by a black hole and crushed to the size of a peanut, the toilet continues to overflow.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Open Court (August 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812694538
• ISBN-13: 978-0812694536
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #430,735 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In depth, February 23, 2006

By	Al Wood "reader extraordinaire" (Hollywood, Fl USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Really heavy philosophical stuff. If you're an avid fan [like me] of Woody Allen and understand philosophy a little [like me] you will enjoy this book. I found out more than I thought I would ever know about Allen's films from reading this book. Thoroughly engrossing and fun to read.

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Could have been a lot better., September 24, 2006

By	The Dilettante "Dilly!" - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Amazon Verified Purchase

The first thing to know about this book is that it is but one in a series. "Woody Allen and Philosophy" is brought to you by the same folks who brought you "The Simpsons and Philosophy," "Seinfeld and Philosophy," and so on. I have not been impressed with this series. Generally, the pop culture topics chosen have no explicit philosophical inspiration. Philosophy must be read-in to otherwise superficial material. Some of these movies and sit-coms constitute good illustrative examples of philosophical topics (e.g. the tired observation that Seinfeld is a "deconstructive" comedy about nothing), but none of them was consciously embedded with philosophy.

Woody's work is different. The attempt to understand the intellectual references contained in Woody's early films is precisely what led me to study philosophy in the first place. They contain deeply philosophical themes and explicit philosophical references. Films like Annie Hall, Love and Death, and Bananas are absolutely packed with high-culture easter eggs waiting for a good interpreter. Sadly, the essays in this book miss pretty much all of them.

Of course, I admit I am the sort of snob who thinks that philosophy should not be the handmaiden to pop culture. I am embarrassed to see Schopenhauer wasted on Seinfeld.

The bottom line is that you will enjoy this book if you enjoy the series itself. Serious Woody Allen fans and philosophers alike will probably be disappointed.

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Articles focus on Allen's philosophy and viewpoints , October 12, 2004

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

How often has the reader combed a casual survey of actor Woody Allen longing for insights into the witty sayings and cutting remarks Allen is notable for? Wonder no longer. In Woody Allen And Philosophy, Mark Conrad and Aeon Skoble edit a fine philosophical approach to Allen's sayings and life, presenting articles which survey his pragmatic optimism, his sex comedys and spoofs, and his artistic films alike. Articles focus on Allen's philosophy and viewpoints and provide plenty of personal insights in the process of analyzing his works.