- Woody Allen’s Return to Venice Film Festival
- Mixed Reception and Protests Surrounding His Film
- Allen’s Controversial Reputation and Response to #MeToo
Woody Allen’s return to the Venice Film Festival was met with applause, favorable reviews, and loud protests on the red carpet during the premiere of his new film.
Most critics called Allen’s debut French picture, Coup De Chance, his best in a decade.
When protesters attempted to access the red carpet, however, scuffles ensued.
Allen is a controversial figure because he has always denied allegations that he molested his daughter Dylan.
The star has never been charged with a crime.
Hollywood has shunned the 87-year-old actor since the #MeToo movement revealed 1990s claims.
At the Venice premiere and press conference, he received standing ovations and ecstatic applause despite the issue.
In an interview with Variety ahead of the festival, the US filmmaker said: “I believe if you’re going to be canceled, this is the culture to be canceled by.
“I simply find that to be ridiculous. I do not consider it. And I am unaware of the meaning of cancellation. I am aware that throughout the years, nothing has changed for me. I create my films.”
“We wish you good fortune”
Allen continued by stating that he supported #MeToo “where it accomplishes something positive.”
“I read instances where it’s very beneficial, for women,” he said, but added: “When it’s silly, it’s silly.”
He maintained that he should have been a “poster boy” for the movement, citing the large number of “very good parts” he had written for women over the years, as well as the equal pay for female crew members.
Allen added later at the press conference that he had been “very fortunate my entire life” and had “never been held accountable for things I did poorly at work.”
“I’ve been extremely fortunate in my filmmaking,” he said. “Over the course of my existence, I have received a great deal of unmerited praise, as well as a great deal of attention and respect. Therefore, I have only excellent fortune.”
Allen, Besson, and Polanski—three directors convicted of sexual assault—have been accepted to the 2023 Venice Film Festival.
His most hilarious film in years.
At the event, Allen’s most recent film received positive reviews from critics.
“Stroke of luck” stars Lou de Laage, Valerie Lemercier, and Melvil Poupaud in a love, infidelity, and death drama.
Kevin Maher of the New York Times dubbed it Allen’s “best film in a decade” following “incredibly uneven films.” Kevin rated it 4 stars.
The Guardian’s Xan Brooks gave it three stars, saying, “Allen’s career is his own. If he quits, his 50th picture could be an appropriate farewell.”
The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin characterized his most recent comedy as “an extended mother-in-law joke” and “his funniest film in years” while awarding it three stars.
“A last-minute twist gives dumb luck the last laugh, and (at least in Venice) it brought the house down,” the reviewer wrote. “Given Allen’s otherwise dismal recent form, he may have gotten lucky with this one, but the charm and sparkle are genuine.”
