Earlier this year as I was continuing my journey through the world of film making, I introduced myself to a director named Woody Allen. Before I went to see his newest release, Midnight in Paris, I decided to have an open post where people came and gave their opinion on Allen, and like all directors there were mixed opinions. But what I found most interesting was half of the people thought he was top 5 all time, and the other half hated him, mostly for reasons concerning his personal life, which is understandable I think. You take directors like Scorsese, Kubrick, Spielberg, Kurosawa, and so on, and whether people consider them "one of the greatest", "greatest", or "just a fine director", pretty everyone can agree they are excellent at their job. With Allen it's entirely different, he is an acquired taste, you either love him or hate him.
I personally really enjoy his films. In fact, that I can remember I have not rated one lower then 3/4. Of course I have not seen even half of his work, some of them sitting untouched in my home, but from what I have seen Allen never ceases to entertain me. You can bet your life that you will get a new release nearly every year too, and for that I believe Allen is not as consistent as other great directors. But you know what? He is a comedy director, and his movies are both funny and intelligent, should we ask any more from him?
Here are my thoughts on some of his work:
Manhattan Murder Mystery - 3.5/4
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Zelig - 3/4
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Manhattan - 4/4
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Of course there are many more great Allen films, but these are just the ones I have seen recently. Some people may hate the man, but I sure don't.
I'm okay with the work of his that I have seen. but you are right, he does remain rather controversial. I usually watch his movies, not because of him, but because of the cast he uses (esp when he uses Scarlett Johansson!) :)
ReplyDeleteSome of his that I enjoyed (some of which I own): Scoop, Match Point, Midnight in Paris, Vicky Cristina Barcelona,...yep, that's all.
did you review Midnight in Paris? I'll look here in a min.
I did review Midnight in Paris, but i'm afraid to say it was a terrible one haha. It was a great movie though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading Scarlet!
I love Woody, my favorite movies of his are "Hannah and her Sisters", "Manhattan", "Stardust Memories" and greatly underrated "Anything Else".
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading! Glad you loved Manhattan as well.
ReplyDeleteHi, Matt. Just blogwalking to your blog. I agree that Manhattan was a tad slow, but the black and white makes it a lot better. Haven't watch the rest movie that you mention. Woody Allen work is great to me, just sometimes the exchanging partners too easy turn me off somehow. But I love Midnight in Paris :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Andina, and I love Midnight in Paris too!
ReplyDelete