Eighteen Woody Allen Films Analyzed: Anguish, God and Existentialism

by Sander H. Lee

This new textbook is an abridgment of the author's earlier Woody Allen's Philosophical Commentaries on His Serious Films (McFarland, 1997; "invaluable"-- Choice .) Five main topics are the desire of many of his characters to ground their lives in traditional ethical values despite their realization that such values may no longer be certain; the opposition between pessimism and optimism throughout his films; gender issues relating to romantic love, sexual desire and the ongoing changes in our cultural expectations of both men and women; the idea that contemporary American society is rapidly descending into barbarism precisely because of societal failure to maintain a sense of individual moral responsibility; and a critique of psychoanalysis as a method for understanding human behavior. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may .

245 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

Reviews

[Sebastián García · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a very well-written and enjoyable book about one of my favorite directors. I especially enjoyed the introduction that explains the relation that Woody Allen has built with existentialism during his career, and the two chapters on Annie Hall and Manhattan respectively, being these two in the top 5 of his films in my opinion.

I didn't read all the chapters because I haven't watched all the films and I don't want to have them spoiled. I also wish the book had come out a bit later so that the author could have analyzed Match Point, the 2005 Woody Allen film, which happens to be my favorite as a matter of fact.

Recommended read to anyone who likes Woody Allen.