I must admit I haven't seen a single movie of Woody Allen due to growing up in a strict, dysfunctional, religious household. Now, being almost 50 years old, I am enjoying as much as I can catching up with all that I missed. Thank You both!!!
I'm 47 and I haven't seen any either. I did see plenty of movies with Richard Pryor. I remember watching The Toy as a kid, which came out in '82, and I thought it was the most awesome movie ever made at the time.
Woody Allen has been one of my FAVORITE authors, directors, ...etc. since I saw Sleeper and then started reading his books. A true genius! Thanks for having him on the show - a wonderful treat!
BTW - Many years ago when I was working in the high performance computing industry at the University of Minnesota, I had the great pleasure to cross paths and hang out with Roscoe Giles on many occasions. Six degrees of separation always amazes me. Maybe some day I will have the pleasure of meeting you as well. Thanks again for all the great interviews you do on Origins!
I love how well grounded, and humble, and centered Woody Allen is. I'm sure that's been key to how prolific he has been, not worrying about what people say about him, or think about him, or his work, or what awards he might win, etc., etc. Very healthy attitude that I think more artists should emulate.
'Emulate' is one of those words that almost always gets used in a positive context, undeservedly. Emulation is like unavoidable quicksand facing all human beings; the important thing, particularly for artists, is to be the rare individual who somehow manages to escape it.
Woody Allen = My HERO!!!! An absolute genius film maker and actor! Can W.A. change your life? Oh YES for me he has. The world is so much more worth living because of Woody. Thank you is so little to express my appreciation to Woody.😊👍🏻❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Get over it. He is NOT a reporter interviewing a subject, he is an interesting man in his own right who is having a conversation with another interesting fellow and conversations go both ways.
I enjoyed the interview, but too many times I felt that when Woody was about to continue an interesting line of thought, he was interrupted. But always nice to hear him.
When he was talking about life expectancy, it reminded me of his comment on death: "I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens." --Woody Allen
The sequence commencing 56:50 where he talks about the beauty he perceives in light is extraordinary. Incredibly beautiful and quite moving in how it reveals the sensitivity of his perception and his unique experience. Really wonderful.
I grew up with Woody Allen saw What’s New Pussycat? at 11 and still follow his career and love his films and his books. What a talent. Very insightful interview. I’ve certainly seen many!
It reminded me of Love and Death, with Diane Keaton as a Russian asking some deep questions in a a hilarious way. I havent liked her in any other movies but she was great in Woody's. sometimes in Sleeper she seemed to be having to stifle her laughter. She seemed completely natural in his movies and more herself than in any other films I've seen her in.
At the end of the interview: "I'm sure they're all asleep by now or they should be." -- Woody. A funny, humble, honest, self-effacing man unlike most everyone else in Hollywood. One of the many reasons so many of us love the guy and could listen to him for hours.
Man. His description of waiting on the subway doors to open, and deciding which stop he would get off on for him to decide what career he would pursue. That amount of opportunity in New York at that time sounds just incredible. I can't imagine the energy you must have felt being at the center of it all. Woody was definitely in the right place at the right time.
@@TheAndrie666 It's funny what Woody said @ 7:00 "If I didn't have the ability to write comedy, which is pure luck. It has nothing to do with any achievement of mine or ambition, it's pure luck." Just goes to show you have to stick yourself out there. People are too worried about not being good enough. You'll never know if you don't try.
@@basehead617 3:50 right at the beginning. Woody was pursuing being a jazz drummer, but decided to get off at a different stop and chose a different career.
The last 45 minutes are gold! I waited years, decades to hear Mr. Allen speak so freely. So insightful, so quick, and the best of analogies, metaphors, and vivid language. A gift!
I see movies as probably the highest form of art our society produces. So many people with so many different talents working in concert to produce a movie; the writer, the director, actors, cinematographers, editors, and so on all having to do a good job. If just one of those disciplines does a bad job it can ruin the entire movie. When you think about Woody taking on so many of those burdens, writing, acting, directing and his movies come out so well. It is a testament to his talent even if he is overly modest about himself.
Every time I listen to Woody Allen speak ..the older I get the more I agree with his ideas about the nature of existence ..distraction , a cold glass of water on a hot day ..thank you for all you have contributed. Really liked the interview
In my experience, amusing people you're attracted to unfortunately only seems to go so far. My quips made a female friend laugh for several years, but then she went off with someone who was boring but had more prospects. As my financial situation improved over the years I became a lot more alluring. A sense of humour seems to be a bonus rather than a major selling point.
I was trying to come up with my favorite Woody Allen movie, and I just couldn't. There are so many which have grabbed me in various ways. It is amazing to watch him in this interview so matter-of-fact and nonchalant and dour, even. And yet, such an insightful and productive genius. It's just amazing, the contrasts.
Woody Allen is the best Director that has ever lived. EVERYTHING in his movies is perfect. The camera placement and focus, the music, the story, the lighting, the wonderful and shocking insights into humanity. His musical talent and the balance and harmony in his work speaks massively, not just of his skill but of his character, his spiritual resonance.
Woody Allen thinks music ended in 1960 . A good film maker but nothing in comparison to Scorcese his contemporary and has nowhere near the talent of Kubrick
What he says about the sun is exactly how I feel, it’s about the color palette, mood and softness, harsh sun is horrendous light and creates uneventful moods.
"The artist's job ... is to try, given the bleakness of the Universe and the fate of man and the emptiness and meaninglessness of it, to find a reason to go on" / What a wonderful quote! I totally agree!
Antonia, At first I thought that reading your comment would be meaningless. But I overcame my reluctance and read it anyway, and was so moved I felt I found the true meaning of life.. Many thanks, Antonia.. All best wishes, Beau
Oh, you're so fortunate, I would love to see WA and the band play. Come to think of it, though, there's a movie where he shows that, right? Gotta find it...(I live far from New York City, unfortunately.)
A really great interview ... good to see Woody Allen still has sharp compos mentis ... he remains a great film maker regardless of his personal life decisions.
He's not responsible for the insanities of others. His personal life decisions have provided him with a life of art and a loving wife with whom he shares walks. Kudos to him.
His personal life decisions (meaning, I suppose, whom he loves) do not concern us in the least, just like our feelings and way of living do not concern him.
One of America's 10-15 best film artists ever! Anyone who have turned against this genius, because of totally unsubstantiated allegations, lacks brains, backbones and balls to give him the benefit of the doubt. Allen's films will live forever, especially when the toxins of the current allegations have been largely forgotten.
Woody Allen has been a great influence on my life. He has nothing to apologize to anyone about. He is a great artist who has given us so much. I read Apropos Nothing and enjoyed it a lot. As a filmmaker myself, I only wish he had spent more time discussing directing, writing, and directing his films. He has a wonderful self-effacing quality. I always hoped we would meet by accident but never did.
A WOODY ALLEN PODCAST. This is fuckin awesome. I never even thought to search for a woody Allen podcast, he’s the last person I ever expected to do a podcast. Bravo on getting him. THANK YOU
@@ckfuyou2 @Miss May / I'm sorry, but both of you are wrong! Of course Soon-Yi is NOT Woody's adopted daughter! And Woody & that crazy Farrow were never married. They always lived separately. Even more, Woody never ever spent 1 single night at that crazy house. Read Apropos of Nothing and the articles from Moses, Soon-Yi and Bob Weide. Soon-Yi is NOT Woody's adopted daughter (in which country do you think this is allowed?) Soon-Yi is Woody's wife for more than a quarter of a century! The herd accuses Woody just because of his love for Soon-Yi, nothing more. But Soon-Yi and Woody are two adults that love each other, are very strong and happy as a couple, have formed a beautiful family (have 2 adopted beautiful intelligent daughters) and don't care about what you, me or the herd think about them. Cheers!
Woody Allen falls into a special category as a celebrity. He goes above and beyond. I heard about this. When someone recognizes him on the street with Soon Ji in NYC, he and she are very nice to the person. And then if the person looks like, he needs a few dollars Woody Allen reaches into his pocket. Sometimes the person can be someone who's in the business, and the guy or gal asks Allen if there would be a part in his next film for them. And Allen then goes about getting the person, some kind of part in the film he's making.
I never bought Camus' answer either. - Yes, the universe might be meaningless, but havin looked at my own options on the matter I choose to believe in God, bcus despite the trials & tribulations of life it rings true to me. - Loved the interview!
one of the best interviews i've ever listened to, both what was said by both lawrence and woody but mostly mr krauss's skill as an interviewer. yes, there was too much interruption at times but..... a good time spent
Wonderful podcast. You made my day! So wonderful to hear Woody's voice and all the interesting things he has to say. Thanks a lot. Woody is a genius. A gem. A treasure for humanity. Please keep creating, Woody! Your movies make life better!
Love Woodys insistance that every positive take on the meaninglessness of life is just a “distraction”, no matter how much Lawrence tries to find healthy conclusion. Great interview!
"Ultimately, all we can do, is keep ourselves distracted away from the emptiness and meaninglessness of our human existence. " Part of me has always known this, and agrees with Woody. It's that truth that keeps people going to church, too. I must admit as I reach sixty years old and have experienced my dad, mom and brother pass away in the last 4 years... Believing in God does give me some hope... Even if it's not true, or provable... Always enjoyed Woodie's movies. Great interview! 👍
I found refuge in your conclusion of the "big questions" in one of your movies where you said that there were no finalities to the meaning of life, but one could still have fun in life.
"I'm sure they're all asleep by now, and if they're not, they should be". Woody Allen's perfectly grim way of looking at this interview. He's immovable in his "dark cloud" view of life, but always interesting. Thanks for posting. :)
I totally agree with your point about Camus, I think that the Myth of Sysiphus is a metaphor for human life, especially when Camus ends the essay saying that we have to think that Sysiphus is happy. This is especially true for artists. The world is ransom and absurd. We each find our own meaning. In the case of a filmmaker, when he's finished a film, the rock has rolled to the top of the hill, and he's happy. Now he has to go back down the hill and begin the process all over again, begin his next film, begin rolling the rock up the hill.
Yet for that brief period of time as Sysiphys returns to the base to begin his fated chore to the top again, he is relatively free to think and ponder - so perhaps not necessarily the quintessential fate after all?
I know I know he is the ideal object for the stainless holier than thous to disapprove of. But I never tire of his self deprecating wit and honesty. He is simply a genius at finding humour in the human condition. My favourite film director ever.
On Friday, in the middle of this awful pandemic (before curfew and following all rules, masks, social distancing, etc, etc...) my husband and I went to a wonderful old cinema here in Barcelona called Phenomena and saw Hannah and her Sisters, it was so wonderful! We saw Manhattan in that cinema a few weeks ago. I hope they'll show Husbands and Wives, another favorite of ours.
A new interview with Woody in 2021?! Wow, so many thanks from Italy for doing this and sharing it! Woody's point of view was always so clearly and uniquely displayed in his movies and comedy. So many gems came from the mind of this person, and they were so helpful to many of us as a distraction from our human misery. So, many thanks Woody. Mission accomplished! Purple Rose of Cairo, Alice (easily my favorite, and I even don't really know why), Annie and I, Sleeper, Play it again Sam, Deconstructing Harry... so many beautiful, meaningful, simply displayed works of art. And at his age he was willing to do such a long interview, this was generous of him. Oh, what a great artist, seriously. He is starting to age and that makes me a bit sad and nostalgic. The Front is a masterpiece and a very underrated movie on McCarthyism; if you missed it, you really need to watch it!
I've seen many interviews with Woody. I think the unasked question is where he got such a despondent nature, where did it come from. Most of the difficulties he refers to in life, working in an office with a boss, struggling financially, being alone etc, he has completely avoided in his life.
Love love love Woody! Started watching his movies in my 20’s and haven’t stopped. I always get gitty when he puts a new one out. Have his books, stand up and he will always be my favorite comedian. Thank you
To say you dont like sunshine is telling. If only you realized how much blessing youve been given. Where is the gratitude? "Oh ye of little faith"....this interviewer focus on...negativity..not the brilliance of humor...And love which is woven throughout Woody's FILMS.
Many years ago Woody was asked "would you like to achieve immortality through your work?" he said "no, I'd like achieve immortality by not dying", that quote is this interview in a nutshell.
I loved the conversation about the sun. Woody has always worked with the best cinematographers: Ghislain Cloquet, Gordon Willis (Prince of Darkness), Carlo Di Palma, Sven Nykvist, Zhao Fei, Darius Khondji, Vilmos Zsigmond, Remi Adefarasin, Javier Aguirresarobe, and Vittorio Storaro. Such an honor for them!
It's so amusing to see Woody to wrestle with so much negativity in life, he feels so bad, and yet he helps us all humans to find life more acceptable and beautiful thanks to his films. While I also share his thoughts on his school years as not feeling to have been good at it, and yet he has done so well without having had good studies. While I was never as successful as he has been, in my life I also have done plenty of things other people find daring and interesting that have made my life happy, even though I was not great at school when young either. I also had a hard time reading but when I turned 12 I began to read full time and enjoyed it so much when I discovered the books that treated themes I was very curious about.
Kudos to the director of this who just set it up and didn't try to impose their personality on it. The two big personalities were plenty. But in doing it so elegantly and with no frills you did tell us something about yourself, herr director. You got class.
Woody’s view of life was summed up well by the final narration he wrote for Professor Levy in Crimes and Misdemeanors. “We're all faced throughout our lives with agonizing decisions, moral choices. Some are on a grand scale, most of these choices are on lesser points. But we define ourselves by the choices we have made. We are, in fact, the sum total of our choices. Events unfold so unpredictably, so unfairly, Human happiness does not seem to be included in the design of creation. It is only we, with our capacity to love that give meaning to the indifferent universe. And yet, most human beings seem to have the ability to keep trying and even find joy from simple things, like their family, their work, and from the hope that future generations might understand more.”
Woody Allen is the greatest. I will always admire and be thankful to Woody for his brilliant movies, which made my life better, funnier, much more interesting, and easier to bear. Thanks for sharing this great interview.
Woody Allen: "No... it becomes more anxiety ridden." (*uproarious laughter*) ... and he's not even trying. The "universe" (*wink, wink*) suggested this particular chat just as I sat down to dinner. Thanks guys.
Oh wow - I just finished listening to the audio only of this Woody Allen episode... I didn’t know the video was available... I’ll watch again.. great episode.. Woody is fantastic here - funny, relaxed, philosophical... thumbs up!
I think Woody Allen is the most interesting person in the world. I never tire of listening to him. My mother loved him. My father loved him. I love him. He’s really smart, incredibly witty. He makes laugh even when he’s talking about dark, depressing things. We’re so lucky to be around during his time.
Woody and I are 3 days a[art in age and we will both be 87 years old in December 2022. He on Dec 1 me on Dec 4. As to creatively, I can't compete with him at all, but agree he is genuinely creative in so many ways.
Ok, a glass of wine, candles, some background jazz and it feels like you're I participating in this fascinating conversation. What an amazing interview!
Fascinating interview, thank you for doing this. Woody has been the greatest of film makers for so long and hearing him being so honest is so refreshing. I’ve never seen one of his films that I didn’t love. Thanks!
How funny is that? I saw the click bait and thought why would they put that stuff up? I have never seen a movie he made I liked. I haven't even heard him speak yet. I just came here for the comments.
The most interesting part of this interview (from my perspective, the perspective of a writer) is when Allen talks about his process of writing. Of course, in order to write screenplays, you have to be a great 'constructor,' you have to have it all plotted out in your head before you touch pen to paper; the whole essence of a dramatic piece (a play or movie) is the build up and then the climax. The buildup must warrant the climax; because if it doesn't the audience feels the falseness immediately and intuitively. In another interview Allen talks about how, in his movie "Hannah and Her Sisters," the original ending was a real downer and it felt false or unwarranted because what came before it did not support such an ending; it felt tacked on and not an inevitable consequence of the actions and feelings of the characters. So he called everyone back and filmed a more upbeat ending and it worked much better.
That's like what Evelyn Waugh once wrote. And P.G. Wodehouse also wrote that the hardest part of writing was creating a plot, whereas the actual writing ws pure joy for him. I'm glad it was.
Many thanks for this great interview. In Sweden were I live Woody Allen always been incredibly populare. And still is. Please Woody come to Sweden and make your next movie here.
The only smart comedy writer that makes me both laugh and think! .. an experience I love. Most comedies are so damn dumb. Thank God for Woody Allen. Even at his worst he is better than others at their best.
I loved Woody about forty-five years ago. After the allegations of child rape, I just can't watch him anymore. Sorry! There's too much evidence, and I can't laugh anymore.
@@Picnuts Only one accusation. There is a long documentary you can watch which shows it is highly unlikely-almost impossible-that he is guilty. The state Child Abuse Dept twice interviewed all the relevant people involved in two detailed investigations. Vanishly small chance it happened.
That was a joy to watch and listen to. A very good line of questioning that brought out thoughtful and insightful responses from Woody. Well done to both of you.
Krauss does this during every interview. He either can’t help himself or doesn’t care. And he must be aware of it as the same (valid) complaint is ubiquitous throughout the comment sections of all his videos.
The biggest issue people have with this guy is that he had a love affair with a young girl- who he has now been with for over 30 years😂😂😂 Not once has his name came up in this MeToo culture (which I wholeheartedly support). This is truly an artist we should be able to enjoy without any guilt.
If this interview was done five years ago, this is an 80 year old. If it was done today, he is 85. May God grant that in my 80's I'm as sharp and fluent as Woody Allen. Amazing.
I loved this interview. Woody may have been cut off at times but if you watch origins a lot, most people interviewed by Lawrence cut him off repeatedly - in this case it seems like no harm, no foul. I align with Woody’s view, it’s hard as humans to extrapolate to life’s logical conclusion. Just look up at the night sky and realize how insignificant we are - there is no long-term meaning to our lives. But I will say, if I were Sisyphus after rolling that Boulder up the hill, I would have pushed it off to see what happens below!
I totally empathize with woody on the death problem, when I first came round to thinking about it in my teens and never stopped it just put a shadow over life itself, but Woody's movies and work have been a sense of relief and escape from the thought of the inevitable, thank God he was born, I m glad to have excisted at the same time as him in our evolution
When he asked him the question about school I kept thinking, "I run a profitable dress company." "I run Pinkus Plumbing company." "I sell talles." "I'm into leather." "I used to be a heroin addict but now I'm a methadone addict." And then I thought, "Don't listen to what your teachers tell you ... just see what they look like and that's how you'll know what life is really gonna be like. You heard it here first.” Obviously I love Woody Allen!
He didn't do that. That is incorrect. He married Mia Farrow's adopted daughter that he never lived under the same roof with. He was also never married to Mia Farrow. By the way, it is illegal to marry one's adopted daughter.@@Dracoool
The greatest filmmaker of all time! I looove Woody Allen's movies comedies and books. When I was a teen my dream was to learn English to be able to understand his movies. He is the most interesting film director and writer alive he is brilliant and funny and original total genius! This talk is hilarious!! I love how the interviewer used Allen's discourse to connect with him. Woody Allen is L'enfant Terrible of American cinema. Most folks are typical Woody Allen is unorthodox.
I cant escape the question: should we ignore utterly reprehensible behavior of an artist because we are enraptured by his art? Frankly, I'm disgusted we have to ask such a question, but Im disgusted with myself that I still feel like I'd like to see the artists creation, anyway.
I must admit I haven't seen a single movie of Woody Allen due to growing up in a strict, dysfunctional, religious household. Now, being almost 50 years old, I am enjoying as much as I can catching up with all that I missed.
Thank You both!!!
Which ones are your favorites?
Crimes and Misdemeanors is a must.
I'm 47 and I haven't seen any either. I did see plenty of movies with Richard Pryor. I remember watching The Toy as a kid, which came out in '82, and I thought it was the most awesome movie ever made at the time.
Woodys movies r the best
Not another ex-JW!?
Woody Allen has been one of my FAVORITE authors, directors, ...etc. since I saw Sleeper and then started reading his books. A true genius! Thanks for having him on the show - a wonderful treat!
BTW - Many years ago when I was working in the high performance computing industry at the University of Minnesota, I had the great pleasure to cross paths and hang out with Roscoe Giles on many occasions. Six degrees of separation always amazes me. Maybe some day I will have the pleasure of meeting you as well. Thanks again for all the great interviews you do on Origins!
@@thomasruwart1722 Thanks.. Roscoe is wonderful! I was very lucky to have him as my advisor at a crucial time. Here's to our meeting.
I love how well grounded, and humble, and centered Woody Allen is. I'm sure that's been key to how prolific he has been, not worrying about what people say about him, or think about him, or his work, or what awards he might win, etc., etc. Very healthy attitude that I think more artists should emulate.
???
'Emulate' is one of those words that almost always gets used in a positive context, undeservedly. Emulation is like unavoidable quicksand facing all human beings; the important thing, particularly for artists, is to be the rare individual who somehow manages to escape it.
I’m always intrigued by Woody’s comedic views of life and also his more real and thoughtful insights to how he views the reality of life.
Woody is just another Hollywood Weirdo...grooming children and marrying your own adopted daughter is putrid.
What bullshit
Woody Allen = My HERO!!!! An absolute genius film maker and actor! Can W.A. change your life? Oh YES for me he has. The world is so much more worth living because of Woody. Thank you is so little to express my appreciation to Woody.😊👍🏻❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
He’s brilliant and unique. One of a kind for sure.
He Is a gem for cinema ❤️
What a fantastic way to spend my Sunday locked down in London. A brilliant conversation and one I will visit again.
My Hero always
The honesty is brutal.. yet wonderful and welcome especially in these times
I'm five minutes into this interview and its just drop dead fascinating...Woody the Artist is why I'm here.
The interviewer is there to ask questions, not to interrupt, second-guess or outsmart the person being interviewed. Let Woody Allen do the talking.
Get over it.
He is NOT a reporter interviewing a subject, he is an interesting man in his own right who is having a conversation with another interesting fellow and conversations go both ways.
Just about you don't know what a podcast is
100%
I enjoyed the interview, but too many times I felt that when Woody was about to continue an interesting line of thought, he was interrupted. But always nice to hear him.
lawrence is a shit interviewer - because it's really all about him
So many interviewers are more concerned with themselves than their subjects.
I'm glad I watched this one, though (2/3 of it anyway).
David, that is just not true. Woody was always continuing his line of thought, and Professor Kraus was just working with him.
@@joeabrams, I think you are being very unfair towards Lawrence Krauss - and no, this interview was about Woody Allen, never about Lawrence.
@@christastempel5577 I would suppose that Woody Allen is used to talking with big egos, wouldn't you? Film people are not wallflowers.
When he was talking about life expectancy, it reminded me of his comment on death: "I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens." --Woody Allen
i'm bringing a change of underwear in case there's a n afterlife....
@@a.f.365 have you faced it before?
I like his retort when someone says "Death is part of life" .... and he says "Yeah, the last part".
*I wanna TRIM the interviewers beard*
Or, my relationship with death remains the same. I am strongly against it.
The sequence commencing 56:50 where he talks about the beauty he perceives in light is extraordinary. Incredibly beautiful and quite moving in how it reveals the sensitivity of his perception and his unique experience. Really wonderful.
How about the beauty he perceives in 12 year old girls?
I grew up with Woody Allen saw What’s New Pussycat? at 11 and still follow his career and love his films and his books. What a talent. Very insightful interview. I’ve certainly seen many!
Are you a doctor now? lol
It reminded me of Love and Death, with Diane Keaton as a Russian asking some deep questions in a a hilarious way. I havent liked her in any other movies but she was great in Woody's. sometimes in Sleeper she seemed to be having to stifle her laughter. She seemed completely natural in his movies and more herself than in any other films I've seen her in.
At the end of the interview: "I'm sure they're all asleep by now or they should be." -- Woody. A funny, humble, honest, self-effacing man unlike most everyone else in Hollywood. One of the many reasons so many of us love the guy and could listen to him for hours.
He doesnt live in Hollywood….thats why.
@@leonardoiglesias2394 Exactly. He knows better.
Love Woody great director
Pédophile too
Shame he can't keep his hands off children, he should be in prison.
Man. His description of waiting on the subway doors to open, and deciding which stop he would get off on for him to decide what career he would pursue. That amount of opportunity in New York at that time sounds just incredible. I can't imagine the energy you must have felt being at the center of it all. Woody was definitely in the right place at the right time.
and he also the right person to have that opportunity
I missed that part.. any idea the time or section?
@@TheAndrie666 It's funny what Woody said @ 7:00 "If I didn't have the ability to write comedy, which is pure luck. It has nothing to do with any achievement of mine or ambition, it's pure luck." Just goes to show you have to stick yourself out there. People are too worried about not being good enough. You'll never know if you don't try.
@@basehead617 3:50 right at the beginning. Woody was pursuing being a jazz drummer, but decided to get off at a different stop and chose a different career.
NYC is the best.
The last 45 minutes are gold! I waited years, decades to hear Mr. Allen speak so freely. So insightful, so quick, and the best of analogies, metaphors, and vivid language. A gift!
I see movies as probably the highest form of art our society produces. So many people with so many different talents working in concert to produce a movie; the writer, the director, actors, cinematographers, editors, and so on all having to do a good job.
If just one of those disciplines does a bad job it can ruin the entire movie. When you think about Woody taking on so many of those burdens, writing, acting, directing and his movies come out so well. It is a testament to his talent even if he is overly modest about himself.
Woody Allen, is funny as hell. Such refreshing to listen to one of the greatest American writer.
I agree! He's the best. My hero. One of the greatest writers ever.
the Interviewer should Pause- more Often
i almost feel guilty to watch this brilliant conversation for free. thank you so much, lawrence.
thanks well.. you can always donate to the foundation directly or through patreon... :)
I enjoyed this conversation. I can't imagine this world without Woody Allen. He has a unique sense of humor. And he is so nice...
Thanks for this... Woody is a genius ! I have absolutely no problems with this video, thank you for respecting Woody , he deserves it !!
As a victim of a pedophile I do HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS!
Woody is just another Hollywood Weirdo...grooming children and marrying your own adopted daughter is disgusting.
Every time I listen to Woody Allen speak ..the older I get the more I agree with his ideas about the nature of existence ..distraction , a cold glass of water on a hot day ..thank you for all you have contributed.
Really liked the interview
Do you agree with the marrying your adopted daughter part?
The part that is false? @@Dracoool
@@ForbiddenConversations .....apparently Woody likes them young and adopted.
In my experience, amusing people you're attracted to unfortunately only seems to go so far. My quips made a female friend laugh for several years, but then she went off with someone who was boring but had more prospects. As my financial situation improved over the years I became a lot more alluring. A sense of humour seems to be a bonus rather than a major selling point.
I was trying to come up with my favorite Woody Allen movie, and I just couldn't. There are so many which have grabbed me in various ways. It is amazing to watch him in this interview so matter-of-fact and nonchalant and dour, even. And yet, such an insightful and productive genius. It's just amazing, the contrasts.
Woody Allen is the best Director that has ever lived. EVERYTHING in his movies is perfect. The camera placement and focus, the music, the story, the lighting, the wonderful and shocking insights into humanity. His musical talent and the balance and harmony in his work speaks massively, not just of his skill but of his character, his spiritual resonance.
Eh, he bores me. Too dry and blah. He's not unintelligent though.
Oh shut up….
Woody Allen thinks music ended in 1960 . A good film maker but nothing in comparison to Scorcese his contemporary and has nowhere near the talent of Kubrick
Good Writer, not great Director of course)
What he says about the sun is exactly how I feel, it’s about the color palette, mood and softness, harsh sun is horrendous light and creates uneventful moods.
"The artist's job ... is to try, given the bleakness of the Universe and the fate of man and the emptiness and meaninglessness of it, to find a reason to go on" / What a wonderful quote! I totally agree!
Me too
Same
I am an artist and I endorse this message.
Antonia, At first I thought that reading your comment would be meaningless. But I overcame my reluctance and read it anyway, and was so moved I felt I found the true meaning of life.. Many thanks, Antonia.. All best wishes, Beau
Me three!🤪👌
Woody Allen is my hero, love him, hope his next movie is underway, I saw him life playing jazz at the Rosewood C Hotel NY in 2015.
Oh, you're so fortunate, I would love to see WA and the band play.
Come to think of it, though, there's a movie where he shows that, right?
Gotta find it...(I live far from New York City, unfortunately.)
I would love for him to write a screenplay about his marriages! Fuckin hot stuff!
A really great interview ... good to see Woody Allen still has sharp compos mentis ... he remains a great film maker regardless of his personal life decisions.
He's not responsible for the insanities of others.
His personal life decisions have provided him with a life of art and a loving wife with whom he shares walks. Kudos to him.
His personal life decisions (meaning, I suppose, whom he loves) do not concern us in the least, just like our feelings and way of living do not concern him.
I listen to this conversation about once a week.
Loving it!
One of America's 10-15 best film artists ever! Anyone who have turned against this genius, because of totally unsubstantiated allegations, lacks brains, backbones and balls to give him the benefit of the doubt. Allen's films will live forever, especially when the toxins of the current allegations have been largely forgotten.
Did you hear the taped phone call with Mia Farrow about his abuse of Dylan ?
It is harrowing and pretty convincing.
@@davidlamb7524 link?
@@davidlamb7524He was not even on that call.
@@davidlamb7524Mia Farrow is anything but convincing. Or trustworthy.
Woody Allen has been a great influence on my life. He has nothing to apologize to anyone about. He is a great artist who has given us so much.
I read Apropos Nothing and enjoyed it a lot. As a filmmaker myself, I only wish he had spent more time discussing directing, writing, and directing his films.
He has a wonderful self-effacing quality. I always hoped we would meet by accident but never did.
''Influenced by a pervert'' weird flex man. 🤔
"Who cares what I think?" Only the few hundred million people who have seen your films
Great podcast, thanks so much. I've been a Woody Allen fan for decades - no amount of vindictive gossip will make me change my mind.
"vindictive gossip"
Yeah, ok buddy.
17 minutes in and I’ve already had to look up four references or words I didn’t otherwise know. Thank you Woody Allen!
A WOODY ALLEN PODCAST. This is fuckin awesome. I never even thought to search for a woody Allen podcast, he’s the last person I ever expected to do a podcast. Bravo on getting him. THANK YOU
I love Woody's unembellished honesty and lucid bluntness
01:45:18 "Aubade" (first published 1977) - Philip Larkin. For anyone puzzled by the reference.
I love Midnight in Paris. Thank god for Woody.
Midnight in Paris is a gem! I also love Shadows and Fog.
I liked that too.
one of the best, articulated and profound dialoges with the master I've ever heard. Thank you, well done.
Lawrence is barely articulate here unfortunately
What a great interview, what a treat. Thanks!
Moreover audio and video quality are great too.
He married his adopted daughter
@@themissmay just to be honest, it was his wife’s adopted daughter.
@@ckfuyou2 @Miss May / I'm sorry, but both of you are wrong! Of course Soon-Yi is NOT Woody's adopted daughter! And Woody & that crazy Farrow were never married. They always lived separately. Even more, Woody never ever spent 1 single night at that crazy house. Read Apropos of Nothing and the articles from Moses, Soon-Yi and Bob Weide. Soon-Yi is NOT Woody's adopted daughter (in which country do you think this is allowed?) Soon-Yi is Woody's wife for more than a quarter of a century! The herd accuses Woody just because of his love for Soon-Yi, nothing more. But Soon-Yi and Woody are two adults that love each other, are very strong and happy as a couple, have formed a beautiful family (have 2 adopted beautiful intelligent daughters) and don't care about what you, me or the herd think about them. Cheers!
@@antoniatejedabarros Who cares about the truth, susan sarrandon and ronan and mia want a new blacklist and they want it now !
@@themissmay woody Allen never adopted Soon-Yi Previn.
One of the best Woody Allen interviews ever! Thank you. A great distraction!
I seriously could’ve watched another 2 hours of this interview. There was not one dull moment in it. Fantastic.
Woody Allen falls into a special category as a celebrity. He goes above and beyond. I heard about this.
When someone recognizes him on the street with Soon Ji in NYC, he and she are very nice to the person.
And then if the person looks like,
he needs a few dollars Woody Allen reaches into his pocket.
Sometimes the person can be someone who's in the business,
and the guy or gal asks Allen if there would be a part in his next film for them.
And Allen then goes about getting the person, some kind of part in the film he's making.
I never bought Camus' answer either. - Yes, the universe might be meaningless, but havin looked at my own options on the matter I choose to believe in God, bcus despite the trials & tribulations of life it rings true to me. - Loved the interview!
one of the best interviews i've ever listened to, both what was said by both lawrence and woody but mostly mr krauss's skill as an interviewer. yes, there was too much interruption at times but..... a good time spent
Wonderful podcast. You made my day! So wonderful to hear Woody's voice and all the interesting things he has to say. Thanks a lot. Woody is a genius. A gem. A treasure for humanity. Please keep creating, Woody! Your movies make life better!
Boy you must really really love Woody Allen. I see you on so many Allen videos.
@@AA-sn9lz Yep! He's my hero!
I just watched Another Woman" with Gena Rowlands, what a beautiful film.
Idolizing a molester. Wow. You people are sick
@@TBF101988 how do you know he is a molester, just because someone made an accusation?
Love Woodys insistance that every positive take on the meaninglessness of life is just a “distraction”, no matter how much Lawrence tries to find healthy conclusion. Great interview!
"Ultimately, all we can do, is keep ourselves distracted away from the emptiness and meaninglessness of our human existence. "
Part of me has always known this, and agrees with Woody. It's that truth that keeps people going to church, too. I must admit as I reach sixty years old and have experienced my dad, mom and brother pass away in the last 4 years... Believing in God does give me some hope... Even if it's not true, or provable...
Always enjoyed Woodie's movies. Great interview!
👍
Aren't most of us like Pilate, who asked "what is 'truth'?" without wanting an answer...
I found refuge in your conclusion of the "big questions" in one of your movies where you said that there were no finalities to the meaning of life, but one could still have fun in life.
Hannah And Her Sisters?
Thank you for this most precious conversation. Thank you for holding space for this brilliant man and his mind. ❤ We love you, woody!
"I'm sure they're all asleep by now, and if they're not, they should be". Woody Allen's perfectly grim way of looking at this interview. He's immovable in his "dark cloud" view of life, but always interesting. Thanks for posting. :)
I totally agree with your point about Camus, I think that the Myth of Sysiphus is a metaphor for human life, especially when Camus ends the essay saying that we have to think that Sysiphus is happy. This is especially true for artists. The world is ransom and absurd. We each find our own meaning. In the case of a filmmaker, when he's finished a film, the rock has rolled to the top of the hill, and he's happy. Now he has to go back down the hill and begin the process all over again, begin his next film, begin rolling the rock up the hill.
Yet for that brief period of time as Sysiphys returns to the base to begin his fated chore to the top again, he is relatively free to think and ponder - so perhaps not necessarily the quintessential fate after all?
Loved this interview. You’ll never convince Woody Allen that life isn’t just a bunch of distractions, but thank God he’s been one of them.
I adore Woody Allen! Thank you so much for this wonderful interview.
So glad you are continuing to do the Origins project. Discovered when you were doing them at the University.
I know I know he is the ideal object for the stainless holier than thous to disapprove of. But I never tire of his self deprecating wit and honesty.
He is simply a genius at finding humour in the human condition. My favourite film director ever.
The discussion about sunlight touched me profoundly. I love cloudy, and misty or foggy days and have since I was very young. Cool.
On Friday, in the middle of this awful pandemic (before curfew and following all rules, masks, social distancing, etc, etc...) my husband and I went to a wonderful old cinema here in Barcelona called Phenomena and saw Hannah and her Sisters, it was so wonderful! We saw Manhattan in that cinema a few weeks ago. I hope they'll show Husbands and Wives, another favorite of ours.
Good to know what good complying sheep u & ur hubby are
A new interview with Woody in 2021?! Wow, so many thanks from Italy for doing this and sharing it!
Woody's point of view was always so clearly and uniquely displayed in his movies and comedy. So many gems came from the mind of this person, and they were so helpful to many of us as a distraction from our human misery. So, many thanks Woody. Mission accomplished!
Purple Rose of Cairo, Alice (easily my favorite, and I even don't really know why), Annie and I, Sleeper, Play it again Sam, Deconstructing Harry... so many beautiful, meaningful, simply displayed works of art. And at his age he was willing to do such a long interview, this was generous of him.
Oh, what a great artist, seriously. He is starting to age and that makes me a bit sad and nostalgic.
The Front is a masterpiece and a very underrated movie on McCarthyism; if you missed it, you really need to watch it!
His point of view about being sexually attracted to kids??
I've seen many interviews with Woody. I think the unasked question is where he got such a despondent nature, where did it come from. Most of the difficulties he refers to in life, working in an office with a boss, struggling financially, being alone etc, he has completely avoided in his life.
Love love love Woody! Started watching his movies in my 20’s and haven’t stopped. I always get gitty when he puts a new one out. Have his books, stand up and he will always be my favorite comedian. Thank you
To say you dont like sunshine is telling. If only you realized how much blessing youve been given. Where is the gratitude? "Oh ye of little faith"....this interviewer focus on...negativity..not the brilliance of humor...And love which is woven throughout
Woody's FILMS.
Many years ago Woody was asked "would you like to achieve immortality through your work?" he said "no, I'd like achieve immortality by not dying", that quote is this interview in a nutshell.
I like the next line even more. "I don't want to live on in the hearts of my countrymen; I want to live on in my apartment!"
I loved the conversation about the sun. Woody has always worked with the best cinematographers: Ghislain Cloquet, Gordon Willis (Prince of Darkness), Carlo Di Palma, Sven Nykvist, Zhao Fei, Darius Khondji, Vilmos Zsigmond, Remi Adefarasin, Javier Aguirresarobe, and Vittorio Storaro. Such an honor for them!
Yes, who cares about him raping his daughter and marrying the step daughter his wife found nude photos of. He's sooooo amazing.
@@N8uregirl76 (???) Time for taking your pills. You're really tripping. Welcome to the herd! We love Woody! He's the best!
It's so amusing to see Woody to wrestle with so much negativity in life, he feels so bad, and yet he helps us all humans to find life more acceptable and beautiful thanks to his films. While I also share his thoughts on his school years as not feeling to have been good at it, and yet he has done so well without having had good studies. While I was never as successful as he has been, in my life I also have done plenty of things other people find daring and interesting that have made my life happy, even though I was not great at school when young either. I also had a hard time reading but when I turned 12 I began to read full time and enjoyed it so much when I discovered the books that treated themes I was very curious about.
Kudos to the director of this who just set it up and didn't try to impose their personality on it. The two big personalities were plenty.
But in doing it so elegantly and with no frills you did tell us something about yourself, herr director. You got class.
Keep this up Mr. Lawrence! Much love💙
Woody’s view of life was summed up well by the final narration he wrote for Professor Levy in Crimes and Misdemeanors. “We're all faced throughout our lives with agonizing decisions, moral choices. Some are on a grand scale, most of these choices are on lesser points. But we define ourselves by the choices we have made. We are, in fact, the sum total of our choices. Events unfold so unpredictably, so unfairly, Human happiness does not seem to be included in the design of creation. It is only we, with our capacity to love that give meaning to the indifferent universe. And yet, most human beings seem to have the ability to keep trying and even find joy from simple things, like their family, their work, and from the hope that future generations might understand more.”
Woody Allen is the greatest. I will always admire and be thankful to Woody for his brilliant movies, which made my life better, funnier, much more interesting, and easier to bear.
Thanks for sharing this great interview.
Woody Allen: "No... it becomes more anxiety ridden." (*uproarious laughter*) ... and he's not even trying. The "universe" (*wink, wink*) suggested this particular chat just as I sat down to dinner. Thanks guys.
You're so fortunate to interview Woody Allen, he's my hero who has given me such joy in life, I love him. Incredibly brilliant hilarious man.❤
Mia???
Existential angst is depressing. I know it's all for nothing, but you entertained me during my depression.
Oh wow - I just finished listening to the audio only of this Woody Allen episode... I didn’t know the video was available... I’ll watch again.. great episode.. Woody is fantastic here - funny, relaxed, philosophical... thumbs up!
I think Woody Allen is the most interesting person in the world. I never tire of listening to him. My mother loved him. My father loved him. I love him. He’s really smart, incredibly witty. He makes laugh even when he’s talking about dark, depressing things. We’re so lucky to be around during his time.
You need to get out more
Doesn’t matter you like his movies or not
Just the fact at this age he is still creating is unsolved puzzle.
Woody and I are 3 days a[art in age and we will both be 87 years old in December 2022. He on Dec 1 me on Dec 4. As to creatively, I can't compete with him at all, but agree he is genuinely creative in so many ways.
@@mpeindms What was your favorite couple of years to live in?
Ok, a glass of wine, candles, some background jazz and it feels like you're I participating in this fascinating conversation. What an amazing interview!
Thanks a lot for this gem, I really enjoyed it.
Fascinating interview, thank you for doing this. Woody has been the greatest of film makers for so long and hearing him being so honest is so refreshing. I’ve never seen one of his films that I didn’t love. Thanks!
How funny is that? I saw the click bait and thought why would they put that stuff up? I have never seen a movie he made I liked. I haven't even heard him speak yet. I just came here for the comments.
The most interesting part of this interview (from my perspective, the perspective of a writer) is when Allen talks about his process of writing. Of course, in order to write screenplays, you have to be a great 'constructor,' you have to have it all plotted out in your head before you touch pen to paper; the whole essence of a dramatic piece (a play or movie) is the build up and then the climax. The buildup must warrant the climax; because if it doesn't the audience feels the falseness immediately and intuitively. In another interview Allen talks about how, in his movie "Hannah and Her Sisters," the original ending was a real downer and it felt false or unwarranted because what came before it did not support such an ending; it felt tacked on and not an inevitable consequence of the actions and feelings of the characters. So he called everyone back and filmed a more upbeat ending and it worked much better.
I just saw a movie called Windfall that had exactly the problem you mentioned. The climax seemed to bear no relationship to the buildup.
That's like what Evelyn Waugh once wrote. And P.G. Wodehouse also wrote that the hardest part of writing was creating a plot, whereas the actual writing ws pure joy for him. I'm glad it was.
Many thanks for this great interview.
In Sweden were I live Woody Allen always been incredibly populare.
And still is.
Please Woody come to Sweden and make your next movie here.
The only smart comedy writer that makes me both laugh and think! .. an experience I love. Most comedies are so damn dumb. Thank God for Woody Allen. Even at his worst he is better than others at their best.
I loved Woody about forty-five years ago. After the allegations of child rape, I just can't watch him anymore. Sorry! There's too much evidence, and I can't laugh anymore.
Apparently, child molester comedy is your thing.
@@Picnuts To my knowledge there are only one accusation, something to so with an attic.
@@Picnuts There’s no evidence, just a 30 year old debunked accusation.
@@Picnuts Only one accusation. There is a long documentary you can watch which shows it is highly unlikely-almost impossible-that he is guilty. The state Child Abuse Dept twice interviewed all the relevant people involved in two detailed investigations. Vanishly small chance it happened.
Two of my favorite people! Discussing BIG questions!
This was a treat for me. A chocolate sundae with two scoops of ice cream.
That was a joy to watch and listen to. A very good line of questioning that brought out thoughtful and insightful responses from Woody. Well done to both of you.
I absolutely love his films from 1985-1994 in particular, but I actually like even his more recent films.. Cafe Society is lovely.
a rainy day in new York is one of my faves, but I do admit it's more of a guilty pleasure flick
What is the point in interviewing someone if you’re going to talk so much and not listen to the answers and speak over their answers?
Such a brilliant man, sensitive and funny who was vilified for no reason. Genius is often attacked! Why, why, why ?
Thank you for this interview.
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For God's sake learn how to interview your guest and stop interrupting them or finishing their sentence.
This guy is horrible as an interviewer quite rude actually
@@luchianvasilecouldn't agree more
Absolutely, what a pain in the neck the interviewer was. Unbearable!
Krauss does this during every interview. He either can’t help himself or doesn’t care. And he must be aware of it as the same (valid) complaint is ubiquitous throughout the comment sections of all his videos.
@@CrazyLinguiniLegs i think you are right. He either lacks self awareness or doesn't give a damn.
The biggest issue people have with this guy is that he had a love affair with a young girl- who he has now been with for over 30 years😂😂😂
Not once has his name came up in this MeToo culture (which I wholeheartedly support).
This is truly an artist we should be able to enjoy without any guilt.
If this interview was done five years ago, this is an 80 year old. If it was done today, he is 85. May God grant that in my 80's I'm as sharp and fluent as Woody Allen. Amazing.
This is a good conversation, logic + dialog = brilliance.
Thank you for this great distraction. Love it!
I love the face that woody allen makes when they quote him. he's like, "Did I say that?" lol
I loved this interview. Woody may have been cut off at times but if you watch origins a lot, most people interviewed by Lawrence cut him off repeatedly - in this case it seems like no harm, no foul. I align with Woody’s view, it’s hard as humans to extrapolate to life’s logical conclusion. Just look up at the night sky and realize how insignificant we are - there is no long-term meaning to our lives. But I will say, if I were Sisyphus after rolling that Boulder up the hill, I would have pushed it off to see what happens below!
Lawrence please, I am a human being living on planet Earth and I love what you do so much. Keep it up.
Was a joy to listen to, remarkable discussion Lawrence thanks for sharing!
I totally empathize with woody on the death problem, when I first came round to thinking about it in my teens and never stopped it just put a shadow over life itself, but Woody's movies and work have been a sense of relief and escape from the thought of the inevitable, thank God he was born, I m glad to have excisted at the same time as him in our evolution
Allen's book, Apropos of Nothing, is great.
I just finished it - lot of laugh out loud lines - really good read.
In one of his early books, the inside cover flap read "His greatest wish is to be somebody else".
When he asked him the question about school I kept thinking, "I run a profitable dress company."
"I run Pinkus Plumbing company." "I sell talles." "I'm into leather." "I used to be a heroin addict but now I'm a methadone addict."
And then I thought, "Don't listen to what your teachers tell you ... just see what they look like and that's how you'll know what life is really gonna be like. You heard it here first.”
Obviously I love Woody Allen!
Woody is sharper at however old he is now than most of us have ever been - amazing
Woody was born in November of 1935-the same year as Elvis Presley, who was born in January.
Thanks for the perspective.
Was Woody sharp when he decided to marry his own adopted daughter?
He didn't do that. That is incorrect. He married Mia Farrow's adopted daughter that he never lived under the same roof with. He was also never married to Mia Farrow. By the way, it is illegal to marry one's adopted daughter.@@Dracoool
@@felixmidas2020...he did do "that"...search Woody allen marries his daughter and you will find the ugly truth about Woody the Weirdo.
The greatest filmmaker of all time! I looove Woody Allen's movies comedies and books. When I was a teen my dream was to learn English to be able to understand his movies. He is the most interesting film director and writer alive he is brilliant and funny and original total genius! This talk is hilarious!! I love how the interviewer used Allen's discourse to connect with him. Woody Allen is L'enfant Terrible of American cinema. Most folks are typical Woody Allen is unorthodox.
I cant escape the question: should we ignore utterly reprehensible behavior of an artist because we are enraptured by his art?
Frankly, I'm disgusted we have to ask such a question, but Im disgusted with myself that I still feel like I'd like to see the artists creation, anyway.
Jimi Weaver what are you even talking about?
he's not l'efant terrible, just 'terrible'
@@persona7-7-7 L'enfant terrible in french means a very talented person which he is.
@@nietzschesmuse I'm aware of what it means, Nietzches Muse, it was a joke,. He is an atheist creep.