Rating: 
Summary: On Process
Review: It is a relief to read a film book that refuses to degenerate in to the psycho-speculative ramblings of a [...] filmmaker. This book has the feel of a comfortable conversation with one of the most private 'celebrities' of this century. In an age where selling out is the great commodity, it is refreshing to hear from a man who has simply and steadily built an astonishing succession of low budget films. This book gives one intriguing glimpses into the 'Woody Allen' aesthetic, from his love of rain to his early days as a stand-up comic. If you're looking for dirt on his private life, don't bother, but if you're looking for an understanding of process and his distinctive viewpoint, then this is the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: On Process
Review: It is a relief to read a film book that refuses to degenerate in to the psycho-speculative ramblings of a [...] filmmaker. This book has the feel of a comfortable conversation with one of the most private 'celebrities' of this century. In an age where selling out is the great commodity, it is refreshing to hear from a man who has simply and steadily built an astonishing succession of low budget films. This book gives one intriguing glimpses into the 'Woody Allen' aesthetic, from his love of rain to his early days as a stand-up comic. If you're looking for dirt on his private life, don't bother, but if you're looking for an understanding of process and his distinctive viewpoint, then this is the book for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Woody is Frank Here
Review: It was an interesting read. Interesting in that Woody seems to be answering Bjorkman's questions in a direct and frank manner, rather than resorting to humor, as his character did in, say, his movie Stardust Memories. As the other reviews describe, Bjorkman takes Woody through each of films, and asks great questions. Even down to the subtleties of issues like why, since Annie Hall, he has used the same simple white-on-black titles. Other great topics include his use of music in film, and his writing and directing processes. I always wondered these same type of things. So, for me, an interesting and wonderful read. A must for people who want to know what Woody's like this side of the camera.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Amazing!!
Review: The only reason that I didn't give this book 5 stars in because it only goes up to Husbands & Wives. For anyone who loves Woody and wants to hear him speak in detail about his films, other films and his ideas, this book does not disapoint. I have many other books by or about filmmakers and this is certainly up there with the best. Woody talks about Bergman, Godard, Fellini, Truffaut, Hitchcock and many other filmmakers and films he likes. He discussed in depth each of his films from What's New Pussycat? to Husbands and Wives. This book is a must for fans of Woody Allen and for fans of film.
Rating:
Summary: A must for any film friend
Review: This book simply is a must for people who are interested in film! Whether you love or hate Woody Allen's work, there is a great deal to learn on film history from this book. Stig Björkman knows so much about all aspects of film and therefore delivers an outrageously professional interview. But still, the interviewer stays humble, asking questions showing a profound knowledge of the subject. Since Woody Allen is very good at answering in a direct but well thought about way, it never gets boring and never seems primitive that the book is written simply in direct dialogue. What I personally appreciate as well is that the talk is purely about film and about Woody Allen as an artist - his private life does not enter unless it is closely related to the discussed subjects. So you get a very relevant view to Woody Allen's career. Because of Stig Björkman's high professionalism, and because of Woody Allen's conversation talent and open mind. It never gets too intellectual either. In fact, it makes you want to watch the Woody Allen movies you haven't had the opportunity to watch yet. The only minus is that the book is some years old so that it does not contain discussions on his recent very interesting films. But as it is an unrejectable document on film history, "Woody Allen On Woody Allen" does belong on any film friends' bookshelf!
Rating:
Summary: A must for any film friend
Review: This book simply is a must for people who are interested in film! Whether you love or hate Woody Allen's work, there is a great deal to learn on film history from this book. Stig Björkman knows so much about all aspects of film and therefore delivers an outrageously professional interview. But still, the interviewer stays humble, asking questions showing a profound knowledge of the subject. Since Woody Allen is very good at answering in a direct but well thought about way, it never gets boring and never seems primitive that the book is written simply in direct dialogue. What I personally appreciate as well is that the talk is purely about film and about Woody Allen as an artist - his private life does not enter unless it is closely related to the discussed subjects. So you get a very relevant view to Woody Allen's career. Because of Stig Björkman's high professionalism, and because of Woody Allen's conversation talent and open mind. It never gets too intellectual either. In fact, it makes you want to watch the Woody Allen movies you haven't had the opportunity to watch yet. The only minus is that the book is some years old so that it does not contain discussions on his recent very interesting films. But as it is an unrejectable document on film history, "Woody Allen On Woody Allen" does belong on any film friends' bookshelf!
Rating:
Summary: A must for any film friend
Review: This book simply is a must for people who are interested in film! Whether you love or hate Woody Allen's work, there is a great deal to learn on film history from this book. Stig Björkman knows so much about all aspects of film and therefore delivers an outrageously professional interview. But still, the interviewer stays humble, asking questions showing a profound knowledge of the subject. Since Woody Allen is very good at answering in a direct but well thought about way, it never gets boring and never seems primitive that the book is written simply in direct dialogue. What I personally appreciate as well is that the talk is purely about film and about Woody Allen as an artist - his private life does not enter unless it is closely related to the discussed subjects. So you get a very relevant view to Woody Allen's career. Because of Stig Björkman's high professionalism, and because of Woody Allen's conversation talent and open mind. It never gets too intellectual either. In fact, it makes you want to watch the Woody Allen movies you haven't had the opportunity to watch yet. The only minus is that the book is some years old so that it does not contain discussions on his recent very interesting films. But as it is an unrejectable document on film history, "Woody Allen On Woody Allen" does belong on any film friends' bookshelf!
Rating:
Summary: A must for any film friend
Review: This book simply is a must for people who are interested in film! Whether you love or hate Woody Allen's work, there is a great deal to learn on film history from this book. Stig Björkman knows so much about all aspects of film and therefore delivers an outrageously professional interview. But still, the interviewer stays humble, asking questions showing a profound knowledge of the subject. Since Woody Allen is very good at answering in a direct but well thought about way, it never gets boring and never seems primitive that the book is written simply in direct dialogue. What I personally appreciate as well is that the talk is purely about film and about Woody Allen as an artist - his private life does not enter unless it is closely related to the discussed subjects. So you get a very relevant view to Woody Allen's career. Because of Stig Björkman's high professionalism, and because of Woody Allen's conversation talent and open mind. It never gets too intellectual either. In fact, it makes you want to watch the Woody Allen movies you haven't had the opportunity to watch yet. The only minus is that the book is some years old so that it does not contain discussions on his recent very interesting films. But as it is an unrejectable document on film history, "Woody Allen On Woody Allen" does belong on any film friends' bookshelf!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful read for fans of the Woodman
Review: This is a nice summary of Allen's film career up to the point of Manhattan Murder Mystery. He comes off as very calm and thoughtful -- new insights into his work abound. Thankfully, Bjorkman does not harangue Allen about personal matters and otherwise -- this is all about the FILMS. Warning: if you haven't seen many of his pictures, this is probably not a good recommendation. It goes through each film in detail, and I suspect this might be tedious for someone only marginally familiar with Allen's work. For the big fans -- buy this. It's an invaluable treasure of insights for me. Now, if only someone will do this for his more recent work......
Rating:
Summary: The Best Woody Allen Book On The Market
Review: Thus far, this is the most entertaining, fulfulling book about The WoodMan that I have read yet. Stig asks all of the questions that I want to ask and Woody never fails to give each question its due worth. So many subjects are covered in this book - I couldn't have asked for more. I learned of many details about Woody's thought process and philosophies, and even the simple things that I hadn't considered. Wonderful.
| 
