Woody Allen, master filmmaker mired in controversy, announces retirement

Woody Allen, the filmmaker who made the classic
Annie Hall and several other era-defining films while regularly courting
controversy, has decided to retire from filmmaking. The 86-year-old, whose first
directorial venture What’s Up? Tiger Lily came out in 1966, made the
announcement to Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia. Allen said he wishes to spend
the twilight years of his life writing.

Allen’s upcoming film, his last, is similar to
Match Point, the stalwart director told the newspaper. His final film, Wasp 22,
is set in Paris and will be shot entirely in French in a couple of weeks.  

Woody Allen has been shooting more in Europe since
sexual allegations surfaced against him in the United States. In 1992, Allen
was accused of sexually molesting his adoptive daughter Dylan Farrow, then aged
seven. Woody Allen has consistently denied the allegation.

In 2020, when Woody Allen opened the San Sebastian
Film Festival with Rifkin’s Festival, he had said that he had never thought of
retiring. Two years later, Allen has decided to quit making films.

Rifkins Festival starring Elena Anaya, Louis Garrel
and Gina Gershon, is shot in and around the Spanish city of San Sebastian and
was bankrolled by Spanish media giant Mediapro. Allen’s relationship with the
city of San Sebastian began in 2004, when he premiered Melinda And Melinda at
the San Sebastian Film Festival. His Vicky Cristina Barcelona also premiered
here in 2008.

Also Read | Woody Allen addresses Dylan Farrow abuse allegations, says she isn’t lying

Woody Allen has also had a long relationship with
Mediapro which bankrolled both Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which got Penelope
Cruz her Oscar, and Midnight in Paris.

Allen has had trouble with his films of late.
Amazon Studios decided to shelve his film, A Rainy Day in New York, after
accusing Woody Allen of sabotaging the future of the film by his comments on
the abuse accusations of his daughter. Allen sued Amazon Studios of $68 million
for breach of contract. The dispute was later settled out of court.

Also Read | ‘It’s my fault’: Mia Farrow reveals shocking details about Woody Allen, calls him ‘great regret’

Woody Allen has focussed more on writing over the
years. He recently wrote is fifth collection of humour pieces titled Zero
Gravity. It was published by Alianza in Spain and by Arcade in the United
States, and distributed by Simon & Schuster. Allen had had trouble
publishing his memoir Apropos of Nothing when Hachette cancelled the publishing
over staff protests. It was later taken on by Arcade.