Conversations with Woody Allen: His Films, the Movies, and Moviemaking

Woody Allen is one of our greatest filmmakers. A prodigious talent. Brilliantly creative and witty. This book of Lax interviews done over many years of his career are his reflections on how he creates his films: the conceiving of the idea (often walking streets of Manhatten), the writing, casting, directing and often the acting.I recently saw the AFI tribute to Diane Keaton, and Woody showed up in Hollywood to present the award. A rare appearance, since Woody makes his films in NY or Europe. I wondered why Diane gets this award, and Woody doesn't? OK, he's not Hollywood, but neither is Bergman or Fellini.Typical Woody Allen insight: In one of his movies, he is visiting his brother in Sing Sing Prison, who is about to be executed. he is seated at a table opposite his brother. Next to his brother is a Catholic priest. Woody: "Why is a priest here? You're Jewish! We don't believe in Heaven!" His Brother:"I converted to Catholicism. At least I have something to look forward to."Ah, so that's what religion is all about. You never know if you're wrong.

Fascinating and very in-depth look at the mind of this prolific and not-afraid-to-be-different moviemaker, and at absolutely everything that goes into creating his films. Very absorbing, engaging, and extremely educational -- I was sorry when it ended. It's funny, I'm not a fan of all Woody Allen films -- quite a few leave me somewhat indifferent -- but, at the same time, of the top 10 films of my long life, at least 3 are by Woody Allen (Husband and Wives, Annie Hall, and Hannah and Her Sisters). I also very much like September, Another Woman, and Manhattan Murder Mystery. From this Eric Lax talking-with-Woody-Allen book you'll learn about all the films and get a great deal from discussions about all of them, whether or not they're your favorites. Excellent.

Book was exactly as described. Great condition. Added bonus in that the book was signed by the author. Highly recommended for Allen fans who know his films well.

If you are a die hard Woody Allen fan you will love this book. It's a ringside seat to what goes on in his brain from writing to casting to directing to when the film is released. If you aren't a die hard fan, but simply like some of his movies you will appreciate him as a writer and a filmmaker. It's a really interesting book about Woody and his movies over a 30 year period!!

Perhaps no reporter has gotten to know Woody Allen better over the course of his career than Eric Lax, and that intimacy translates here to a series of in depth conversations about life, philosophy, writing, and filmmaking. As a fan of Woody Allen and his films, I was sad to come to the end of this book. A really great read.

This is one of those rare books where we actually get a clear insight into the creative process of a great filmmaker. Techniques, style, philosophy and approach are covered in great detail. Gives awesome insight into the man and the movies he made. I really enjoyed it.

A fascinating insight into every one of Woody Allen's films spoken by the the writer/director himself. The kind of book you can pick up and start from any point. The organization of the contents is excellent.

Well-written, very interesting.

Quite simply the finest book I have read about Woody Allen. Every aspect of film making is discussed. I almost feel as though I could make a film myself after reading this.