Controversial Director Finally Ending Career?

Expressing frustration about waiting for his films to be picked up for release, Woody Allen told AirMail, “It doesn’t matter to me whether I get distributed here or not. Once I make it, I don’t follow it anymore. Distribution is no longer what it was. Now distribution is two weeks in a cinema… The whole business has changed, and not in an appealing way. All the romance of filmmaking is gone.”

Woody Allen first broke into the film industry nearly 60 years ago with the 1966 feature What’s Up, Tiger Lily? Since then, Allen has gone on to helm dozens of movies, each contributing to his distinct writing and filmmaking style. His latest feature, Coup de Chance, was filmed and released in France, starring an all-French cast, and may in fact be his final outing.

Since the initial sexual assault accusations became pubic knowledge in 1992, Woody Allen’s reputation in the film industry has been shaken. While authorities claimed to have found no evidence that any such abuse took place, the allegations highlighted Allen’s relationship with his adoptive daughter Soon-Yi Previn, which many find to be highly inappropriate. While the marriage is technically legal, and Previn has never publicly expressed issue with the relationship, members of the moviegoing public have been disgusted and concerned by this situation for over three decades.

As a result, Woody Allen’s career is not what it used to be, forcing the filmmaker to pivot away from the traditional Hollywood machine for many of his latest productions. While Allen hasn’t specifically confirmed his intention to retire from the business of filmmaking, he clearly lacks the passion for the craft he once held. During his interview, the 88-year-old was asked about his longevity, his future, and his opinion on cancel culture, with each query strengthening Allen’s consideration for leaving his career in the past.

Still, the Magic in the Moonlight director explained that his creative juices flow continuously, which makes it difficult to turn down new and exciting projects. This echoes similar sentiments made by comedian and former Woody Allen collaborator Larry David, who recently explained that he plans to keep working on new projects now that his landmark series Curb Your Enthusiasm has concluded. David, who is 76-years-old, has stated an intention to step away from the camera as he enters his 80’s, though he still plans to write and direct as long as he’s physically able.

Coup de Chance is slated to receive a digital release in the United States next week, though the film has received little to no promotion or press in Allen’s home country. The film has received favorable reviews from critics at large, even reaching a critic score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, but Woody Allen’s name has become synonymous with box office poison in Hollywood regardless. The film is a romantic thriller centered on a married woman who begins an affair with an old friend from school, eventually leading to dire consequences.

Source: AirMail