My Summer with Woody Posted on 15th February 2012

I am very lucky to have the best Video shop manager in the world. I know I had hit gold when she saved me a bargain $5 copy of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” because she knew it was my kind of film.

Since then, it’s got even better. After loving “Midnight in Paris”, I decided to revisit my old favourite Woody Allen films and watch those I’d missed over the years. But my local store has a measly range (like who out there hires old Woody Allen films these days?) so, my fairy godmother video manager started bringing me in copies from her personal collection.

We now have a barter system going where she lends me a movie and I return it with a freshly baked treat. It’s a happy deal for all and the reason I’ve spent my summer with Woody.

It was my hairdresser Jamie who suggested I watch “Interiors”. Made in 1978, it is a less known film and such a departure from the comedies we know so well. The art direction took my breath away- shades of beige, browns and greys that transport you to another time and space, deep into the psychological world of those women.

When I mentioned how “Interiors” affected me she brought in “Another Woman” (made 10 years later), which was the perfect follow up. I particularly loved how in both these films Woody Allen delves into the emotional world of an older woman. Again, the look of the film is superb and I especially enjoyed Martha Plimpton’s character’s outfits (not to mention the elegance of Gena Rowlands in every scene).

But then, for a breath of lightness I revisited Manhattan Murder Mystery. What can I say? It was pure joy. I loved it so much I had to watch it all over again. I even found myself chatting to a mum at kinder about the hotness of Angelica Houston….not your standard morning chitchat, but I just needed to discuss it with someone.

I was wanting more Angelica so re-visited Crimes and Misdemeanors. That film has so much punch and intensity that I am still replaying scenes in my mind. What a timeless study of the human condition.

I feel so blessed to have this collection of Woody films available for me. Like my love for James Bond films, my preference is for the older style to the contemporary. The women of the 60s to 80s are exquisite and the costumes and art direction inspire me. I do think (like many Librans) that I am an aesthetically sensitive person so these beautiful films really feed my soul.

Thank you Woody.

Stay genki, C x

Images: Annie Hall 1977, Interiors 1978, Another Woman 1988, Manhattan Murder Mystery 1993, Crimes and Misdemeanors 1989

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