Helpful Score: 1
Great account of Woody Allen's life. Many details in the book about his family, growing up, etc. I couldn't put this book down.
Allen is a pain in the butt sometimes, pushing his character shtick too far, but nobody makes movies like he does. His feel for New York life is dead-on, and his characters are more human than anybody else in movies.
And finally, who is as original as Woody? This book was a tremendous example of boigraphy at it's best.
And finally, who is as original as Woody? This book was a tremendous example of boigraphy at it's best.
This detailed biography of filmmaker Woody Allen is well-written and comprehensive -- but only as far as it goes. It was published just months before Allen's affair with his young stepdaughter, Soon-Yi Farrow, broke into a huge scandal. Lax's euphoric descriptions of Allen's relationship with Soon-Yi's adoptive mother Mia Farrow is a cringing embarrasment in light of those subsequent events.
Still it remains a thoughtful and complete look at Allen's early days as a comic, his transition to a filmmaker, and the way he brings his visions to the screen. One can't help but wish there was an Act Two to this strong opening.
Still it remains a thoughtful and complete look at Allen's early days as a comic, his transition to a filmmaker, and the way he brings his visions to the screen. One can't help but wish there was an Act Two to this strong opening.
