The Ultimate Woody Allen Film Companion

I was hoping, based upon the book's blurb ("Bailey explores the themes, plots, influences, and impact of each while offering rare insights and behind-the-scenes details) that the section for each film would contain tidbits; new information; numerous quotes from cast, crew, and Woody himself; deeper analysis of each film's key themes etc. What this book contains is primarily an imdb type summary for each film. Many of the films only get a page or two dedicated to them, which cannot possibly do them justice. This is the meat of the book, and contain little more than a short synopsis, with perhaps a well known fact or two (also readily available on imdb).In addition to the summaries there are the following short sections:* Woody's early life (6 pages) - almost entirely culled from the American Masters documentary he featured in, with absolutely no new information at all contained within the section. I've read numerous books containing interviews with Woody, and seen every interview I can find, and can think of numerous pieces of information that could have found their home into this chapter that would be much less widely known.* Influences (2 pages/16 films) - The usual films Woody mentions in every interview. The list is of course 2/3 Begman and Fellini, with some Marx Brothers thrown in for good measure. Nothing new here. It could definitely be more in depth - each film gets a sentence or two each.* Writing (2 pages/3 movies) - Rounding out Woody's filmography with 'What's, New Pussycat?', 'Casino Royale' and 'Don't Drink The Water (1969)' with films he wrote but didn't direct. Again, very thin on information, and totally devoid of anything deeper. For example: the fact Woody had an all expenses paid for 6 months in London while he was waiting to be called on to perform his very small role. During this time he actually wrote 'Don't Drink The Water'. Definitely a missed opportunity to tie the two together here.* Judaism Theme (2.5 pages) - Guest Essay* Muses: Diane Keaton, New York, Mia Farrow, Scarlett Johannson (4 pages interspersed throughout)* Actor's with repeating roles in Woody's movies (2 page list)* Cut Ideas (2 pages)* Philosophy Theme (3 pages) - Guest Essay* Films Starring Woody Allen that aren't his own (3 pages)* Films influenced by Woody's work (1 page)* Woody short biography (5 pages)* Woody's Music (4 pages)* Filming Style (4 pages)* Death Theme (2 pages)* Filming around Europe (4 pages) - Guest Essay* Film making process (6 pages)I have other books by the author, and I have to question whether this was just another release to him, where he did the least possible research to produce his book. Had he read some of the releases by other authors I believe he could have written a far more comprehensive, worthwhile companion.The value of this book depends what category you fall into:1. If you're NEW to Woody, then this would be good to flick through to read each films premise, helping you choose which film to watch next. If you're interested it could also provide you with a basic overview of his history and life.2. If you're SOMEWHAT FAMILIAR with Woody's work you wont find anything new here - read a few of the other books available where he's being interviewed in depth (such as 'Woody Allen on Woody Allen' by Stig Bjorkman). If you want to know more about Woody's history, background, influences etc. watch American Masters: Woody Allen. It's a fantastic 2 part documentary that's widely available on various streaming services.3. If you're a BIG FAN of Woody then give this one a miss entirely!

This was a book I was looking for. It arrived promptly even though it came from Europe.

Comprehensive with numerous helpful sidebars into various aspects of Allen's worldview. "Existence precedes essence." So, whats new? Are there any quality producers who are persuaded otherwise?

Everything you wanted to know about Woody Allen. I've bought additional copies for other film nuts.

I love Woody Allen. The book is fabulous and I would recommend it to everyone that is a Woody fan.

The book provides an easy compendium of titles, plot, dates with some nice photos, but minimal analysis. Coffee table Woody Allen.

Super fast and really cool book...

My granddaughter loves it.

Comprehensive

a fine book covering a great (on going) career, good to be reminded of all the classics. having Woody allen's evaluation of his own movies is a bonus.

nice book to read

No problems