Woody on Woody

Only six of his films are any good, he says.

June 29, 2010 at 8:12PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Woody Allen, looking back on decades of wasted potential.
Woody Allen, looking back on decades of wasted potential. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Woody Allen is a failure -- so says Woody Allen, who has 46 films, including many iconic ones, to his credit. In an interview with the Times of London, he says, "I've squandered an opportunity that people would kill for. I have had complete artistic freedom. Other directors don't get that in their lifetime. But I have a very poor record given the opportunities I've had."

Compared to his heroes Fellini and Kurosawa, he hasn't done much, he claims. "There are a few [films] better than others, half a dozen, but's a surprising paucity of worthwhile celluloid."

Which six movies would you predict are Allen's favorites among his oeuvre? Hint: Not the ones you would think.

Here they are: "Purple Rose of Cairo," "Match Point," "Bullets Over Broadway," "Zelig," "Husbands and Wives" and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." Let the arguments begin.

about the writer

about the writer

Cynthia Dickison

Designer-Features

Cynthia Dickison is a features designer. She is a St. Paul native and graduate of the University of Minnesota. She has worked at the Star Tribune since 1978, starting on the copy desk. Dickison has worked in every department — news, sports, features, even a short stint on the business cover.

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