The Woody Allen Pages Podcast

Wonder Wheel is the 47th film written and directed by Woody Allen. The film stars Kate Winslet as Ginny, a former small time actress who has ended up a waitress at the faded Coney Island in the 50s. An affair with the local lifeguard Mickey (Justin Timberlake) can’t make her happy either, especially when her husband’s estranged daughter Carolina (Juno Temple) turns up. This is a tight, taut and claustrophobic drama about flawed people. It unfolds like a play anchored by an incredible performance from Kate Winslet, who sits in a beautiful backdrop of a recreated Coney Island from another time. Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages podcast. This week we look at 2017’s Wonder Wheel. How it was conceived, how it was made and how it’s really, really bleak. Spoilers are everywhere, so watch the film then come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Zelig is the 11th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 1983. Woody Allen stars as Leonard Zelig – the human chameleon. The film is presented as a documentary on his life in the 20s and 30s. This strange man who could take on the characteristics of the people around him. He is studied as a scientific curiosity, and forms close ties with one of his doctors, Dr Eudora Fletcher, played by Mia Farrow. Zelig is not one of Allen’s most recognised films, and perhaps it’s the strange title, and the air of modesty that surrounds it. It’s certainly a far cry from his witty, neurotic, modern New York comedies. But it is emotionally touching, very funny, sometimes too clever and a spectacular special effects ride to boot. For someone else, this is a career defining film. Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages Podcast. This week we looks at 1983’s Zelig. How it was conceived, how it was made, and how it took a long time. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film and then come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Interiors is the 7th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 1978. Diane Keaton, Mary Beth Hurt and Kristin Griffith play three sisters who barely get along. Their parents (father Arthur played by E.G. Marshall and mother Eve, played by Geraldine Page) have recently separated, leaving the daughters to deal with their family, their partners, their ambitions and their lives. Interiors is Woody Allen’s first serious work – a quiet drama about a family. It’s not only his first dramatic film – it’s his first dramatic ANYTHING. Years of stand up, playwriting, acting and writing comic short stories was put aside for 100 minutes. Not in a bad way- but there is nothing funny about ‘Interiors‘. Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages podcast. This week we look at 1978’s Interiors. How it was conceived, how it was made, and how it’s so unlike any of Allen’s other work. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film and then come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Whatever Works is the 39th film written and directed by Woody Allen. ‘Whatever Works‘ sees Allen return to the US for the first time in many years. It was made amidst the writer’s 07/08 strike, when Allen was unable to make a new script, so he used one he had previously discarded, originally written for Zero Mostel. Larry David stars as Boris Yelnikoff, as big a curmudgeon as you are likely to meet in cinema. The grumpy old man has his views challenged when he meets Melodie (Evan Rachel Wood) and forms an unlikely relationship. Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages Podcast. This week we look at 2009’s Whatever Works. How it was conceived, how it was made and how it was a victim of circumstance. Spoilers are everywhere - so watch the film and then come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Deconstructing Harry is the 27th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 1997. Woody Allen stars as Harry Block, a cantankerous writer who is accused by the people in his life of using them in his work. Those in his life, many of them women, are also portrayed as their fiction selves. Together they form one of the biggest casts Allen has ever assembled. When Harry is honoured at his old school, he goes on a strange journey with his kidnapped son and a prostitute. This is one of Allen’s harshest films. There’s prostitution, kidnapping, infidelity, nudity and more explicitness. There’s even the casual use of the “c” word. But that harsh surface obscures some pretty astute comedy, deft directing and a pretty fantastic film. Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages podcast. This week - episode 21 - we look at 1997’s Deconstructing Harry. How it was conceived, how it was made and how it is really quite rude. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film and then come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

The Woody Allen Pages podcast is back for 2023. Production had been dragging on this year, and with the announcement of a new Woody Allen film, Coup de chance, this season will be slightly different. I’m doing the thing that some TV studios like to do and I’m going to split a season in two. I’m rolling out five new episodes of the Woody Allen Pages Podcast over the next 5 weeks. Then there will be a short break to cover the release of Allen’s new film. Then back at the end of the year for the final 6 episodes, plus a Q&A episode. I’m doing this because these first five are finished and ready to go, and to hold the whole season back after the film release didn’t make sense. So yes, five episodes, the Woody Allen Pages podcast season 3 part 1. It will hit your feeds next week. Thanks for everyone for being patient. Especially those who have supported me as a patron on patreon. I really appreciate your continued support. To listen, just look up Woody Allen Pages in your favourite podcast app. Or links are below. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com  

Welcome to the final episode of this season of the Woody Allen Pages podcast. I’m ending with a wrap up of your thoughts and comments, and some questions, and some things about what next. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Allen’s use of the camera has led to many cinematic highs. His insistent use of black and white, to his experiments in mockumentary, to breaking all the rules with haphazard editing to just film after film of gorgeous shots, Allen has made a career of incredible camera work. Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages podcast. This week is special episode three. This episode we look at Woody Allen’s relationship to the camera, his work with cinematographers and editors, and how it led to some of the most memorable shots in cinematic history. There’s light spoilers here for some of Allen’s films. You’ll mostly be ok, it won’t ruin your enjoyment, but we will talk about a lot of them. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Rifkin’s Festival is the 49th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 2020. Wallace Shawn stars as Mort Rifkin, a film teacher who accompanies his wife, Sue, played by Gina Gershon, to the San Sebastián Film Festival. During the festival, Mort has strange dreams that seem oddly familiar, and realises he has some regrets in his life that he has to face. Filmed in gorgeous San Sebastián in Spain, Rifkin’s Festival is a playful conversation about cinema itself. But at the heart it is a somber character study of a man who might have left it too late. Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages Podcast. This week, episode 20, we talk about 2020’s Rifkin’s Festival. How it was conceived, how it was made and how it didn’t quite get released properly with COVID and all. Spoilers are everywhere so please watch the film and come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Mighty Aphrodite is the 25th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 1995. Woody Allen stars as Lenny Weinrib. Together with his wife Amanda, played by Helena Bonham Carter, the two adopt a child who turns out to be especially gifted. When Lenny gets obsessed by his son’s genetic heritage, he tracks down the mother only to discover she’s a lowly prostitute named Linda Ash, played by Mira Sorvino. Woody Allen in the mid 90s was overcoming the turmoil of his private life to create some of his most fun films. Mighty Aphrodite came in the middle of this successful run, with memorable performances and lots of laughs. This week, episode 19, we talk about 1995’s Mighty Aphrodite. How it was conceived, how it was made and how it’s really quite good. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film and then come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

The Curse Of The Jade Scorpion is the 31st film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 2001.  Woody Allen stars as CW Briggs. An insurance investigator whose workplace rival is Betty Anne Fitzgerald played by Helen Hunt. Both come under the spell of a hypnotist named Voltan, and find they themselves chasing after criminals that are closer to home than they think. The Curse Of The Jade Scorpion is a throwback to another era. It harkens back to the sparky, dialogue driven comedies of the 40s, and there’s plenty of fun. But the fun is cartoonish and sometimes it is so lightweight that it almost blows away.  Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages Podcast. This week, episode 18, we talk about 2001’s The Curse Of The Jade Scorpion. How it was conceived, how it was made and how it was a bit of a failure. Spoilers are everywhere so please watch the film and come back.  So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Manhattan is the 8th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 1979. Woody Allen stars as Isaac Davis, and we follow him as he romanticises the hell out of New York City, falling in love, and dealing with the poetry of every day life. His story is divided by several women and one friend. And he’s made a decision to live a better life, if there is such a thing. What do you say about Manhattan? It’s a masterpiece, and where Allen’s skill as a director finally matches his skill as a writer. It’s a triumph of production with a story that lays out everything Allen had been trying to say. Oh and it’s my favourite film of all time. This week, episode 17, we talk about 1979’s Manhattan. I will try not to go too overboard about how great it is. But we will look at how it was conceived, how it was made, and how the bastards are wrong about it. Spoilers are everywhere - watch the film, then come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Shadows And Fog is the 20th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released 1991. Woody Allen stars as Max Kleinman, returning to being the sole lead for the first time since Broadway Danny Rose in 1984. He lives in a town that resembles old German expressionist films by directors such as Fritz Lang. The dark and foggy town is plagued by a killer. Kleinman has been roped in to search for the killer, but is given little or no facts to work with, and soon left on his own. Shadows And Fog is one of the strangest films in Woody Allen’s canon. It’s a 90 minute, black and white allegorical play about death and religion. Lucky for Woody Allen that by this point, it had been decades since he had to pitch a film to anyone. This week, episode 16, we look at 1991’s Shadows And Fog. How it was conceived, how it was made and how it flopped really badly. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film first and then come back.  So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Blue Jasmine is the 43rd film written and directed by Woody Allen. Cate Blanchett stars as the titular Jasmine - a well-to-do woman who finds herself broke. Her financial criminal husband, played by Alec Baldwin, is no longer in the picture, so she moves in with her working class sister Ginger, played by Sally Hawkins. And she has to try and find a new life in San Francisco. Blue Jasmine was a critical success for Allen and in particular Blanchett, who won all the awards. It is also one of Allen’s biggest box office earners. So is it really that good? Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages Podcast, by me, the creator of the Woody Allen Pages website. This week, episode 15, we look at 2013’s Blue Jasmine. How it was conceived, how it was made, and how it lives up to it’s reputation. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film first, then come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com  

The Purple Rose of Cairo is the 13th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 1985. This film holds a special place in Woody Allen’s filmography. It is Woody Allen’s own favourite of his films, whilst he consistently rags on just about every other one he’s ever made. Even now, he claims it is the film that is closest to his original vision. From it, we can see what it is that Allen the filmmaker really wants to do. Beloved by critics if not so much by audiences – not only is it great, it’s the kind of film that only Woody Allen can make. That wonderful mix of American and European, comedy and tragedy, realism and magic.  Mia Farrow stars as Cecilia, a down and out waitress in the depression era Jersey. She’s married to a man who beats her and she is poor and unhappy. Her only escape is the cinema, and she sees every film at the local cinema. Black and white, dramatic, sophisticated escapades, such as ‘The Purple Rose Of Cairo’. Just as her life hits bottom, one of the characters in the film leaps off the screen to whisk her away. Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages Podcast, by me, the creator of the Woody Allen Pages website. This week, episode 14, we look at 1985’s The Purple Rose of Cairo. How it was conceived, how it was made, and how Allen doesn’t hate this one. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film first, then come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Celebrity is the 28th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 1998.  Kenneth Branagh stars as Lee Simon, a journalist with aspirations of higher writing and a better life. He has just split from his wife Robin, played by Judy Davis. The two go on separate searches for happiness through fame. Lee by hanging around it, Robin by accidentally becoming it. Coming straight after Deconstructing Harry, Celebrity is another harsh, angry film. Shot in stark black and white and with a biting, sour message. It is one of Allen’s biggest casts and a large sprawling story. There’s a lot of film here to discuss.  Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages Podcast, by me, the creator of the Woody Allen Pages website. This week, episode 13, we look at 1998’s Celebrity. How it was conceived, how it was made, and how just big it is. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film first, then come back. So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Sleeper is the 4th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 1973. Woody Allen stars as Miles Monroe, a man who has been frozen for 200 years. He wakes to find himself in a strange futuristic world, run by an oppressive, big-brother-like government force. Things get worse when he unwittingly becomes part of the underground movement and causes a revolution. Sleeper is another in the early run of high concept set ups for Woody Allen’s comedy. But it sees Allen’s continued growth as a visual director and a writer with more than just jokes. And probably most importantly of all – it marks the arrival of Diane Keaton into his films. Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages Podcast, by me, the creator of the Woody Allen Pages website. This week, episode 12, we look at 1973’s Sleeper. How it was conceived, how it was made, and how it’s great. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film first, then come back. So much more at our website - Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books - The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is the 38th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 2008.  Rebecca Hall stars as Vicky, and Scarlett Johansson stars as Cristina. Two friends who have decided to spend the summer in Barcelona. The two friends have very different views on love, and their lives take very different paths when they encounter Juan Antonio, played by Javier Bardem and his ex-wife Maria Elena, played by Penelope Cruz. Woody Allen’s London period became a European period with Vicky Cristina Barcelona. And unlike his London films, which were re-written from American settings, Spain is a deep part of this film. A mix of romance and morality, it is rightly considered one of the highlights of his later career. Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages Podcast, by me, the creator of the Woody Allen Pages website. This week, episode 11, we look at 2008’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona. How it was conceived, how it was made, and how it was so unlike any other Woody Allen film. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film first, then come back. So much more at our website - Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books - The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com  

I am so pleased to announce that the Woody Allen Pages podcast will return later this month, even if it kills me. Yup, we’re back for season 2. I will launch episode 11 sometime after Easter, giving me the holiday to get everything ready for the return. I’m sorry it has taken so long. I don’t want any sympathy, but I’m not sure last year turned out like anyone thought it would. I had a long lockdown, caught COVID and my brain is finally forgetting the trauma of it all.  A big thanks to all the people who kept with me. Especially the Patreon supporters. I am so grateful that all of you stuck by the podcast. I hope you’re getting some enjoyment from the site. But all the listeners too. A lot of people emailed and affectionately shamed me on social media about the long delay. But it’s better than not being talked about, right? Season 2 will be another 11 episodes. I will cover ten more Allen films and a special episode that I’m very excited about. The films covered run through Allen’s entire career. There’s an early funny one. There’s a DreamWorks one. There’s a really recent one. There’s my favourite Woody Allen film ever. Long films, short films, black and white, colourful, huge casts and humble casts. It was a lot of fun to make and I hope a lot of fun to listen to.  So much more at our website – Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books – The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com

Hello and welcome to the Woody Allen Pages podcast. To wrap season 1 - I’m going to answer some questions from you. Thanks for everyone who asked a question. Without further ado… here we go. So much more at our website - Woody Allen Pages. Find us at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Reddit Support us Patreon Buy a poster or t-shirt at Redbubble Buy out books - The Woody Allen Film Guides Buy Me A Coffee You can write to us at woodyallenpages [at] gmail [dot] com