Woody Allen has had some time to reflect on his past films. What were the results of this reflection?
He could have done better.
It should be no surprise that Allen is being so hard on himself. However, the director thinks that he could of done more with the creative freedom that he has had over the years. Bottom line, Allen is not happy with his films.
Here’s what he said:
“I’ve squandered an opportunity that people would kill for–I have had complete artistic freedom. Other directors don’t get that in their lifetime. I have a very poor record given the opportunities I’ve had. Out of 40 films I should have 30 masterpieces, eight noble failures and two embarrassments, but it hasn’t worked out that way. Many of the films are enjoyable by the mean standards of movies, but look at what has been accomplished by people who have done beautiful things — Kurosawa, Bergman, Fellini, Bunuel, Truffaut — and then look at my films. I have squandered my opportunities and I have nobody to blame but myself.”
At 74, Allen has come to accept his own “mediocre” work, “You aspired to greatness when you were younger, but either through lack of industry or lack of discipline or simply lack of genius you didn’t achieve greatness. The years go by and you realize: ‘I’m this mid-level guy. I did the best I could.'”
Allen also chose six of his favorite films made by him. Here’s the list. Agree or disagree?
– PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO
– MATCH POINT
– BULLETS OVER BROADWAY
– ZELIG
– HUSBANDS AND WIVES
– VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
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What’s Not Allowed