![Efforts by Woody Allen to Halt the Debut of His Film ‘Manhattan’ 2 l intro 1715801128](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/l-intro-1715801128.jpg?w=1170)
Noted for his remarkable diligence as a director, Woody Allen created at least one new work nearly every year from 1972 until 2017—excepting the years 1974, 1976, and 1981, with a double-release in 1987. His latest effort, “Coup de Chance,” was produced in 2023 in France. Despite his impressive output, Allen has acknowledged the uneven quality of his extensive filmography, recognizing that not all his projects have garnered classic status or mention in academic circles. Moreover, Allen seldom revisits his completed films, preferring the process of creation over reflection on the final product.
Allen has expressed a desire to retract most of his films, asserting that only a handful, such as “Zelig” (1983), “The Purple Rose of Cairo” (1985), “Husbands and Wives” (1992), “Match Point” (2005), and possibly “Midnight in Paris” (2011) would be exempt from this. Interestingly, he does not extend this sentiment to “Manhattan” or even his critically lauded “Annie Hall,” which won Best Picture. In fact, he once proposed to Arthur Krim, the then-head of United Artists, to destroy “Manhattan” after being disappointed with the finished movie:
“My memories of those older films are unclear, and my affection for them doesn’t match that of the audience. On viewing ‘Manhattan,’ my immediate response was disillusionment. I approached Arthur Krim and offered, ‘If you keep this film from the public eye, I will, in return, direct another film for you without charge.’”
However, Krim declined Woody Allen’s offer, and “Manhattan” was released, ultimately receiving critical acclaim.
FAQs about Woody Allen and ‘Manhattan’
Q: Did Woody Allen really want to prevent the release of ‘Manhattan’?
A: Yes, Woody Allen was so disappointed with the film ‘Manhattan’ that he offered to make another movie for free if the distributor, United Artists, would agree not to release it.
Q: Was ‘Manhattan’ a success despite Woody Allen’s disapproval?
A: Yes, ‘Manhattan’ was released against Allen’s wishes and went on to receive significant acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
Q: Does Woody Allen often watch his own movies?
A: No, Allen has said that he prefers to focus on making movies rather than watching his previous works.
Q: Which films would Woody Allen choose to keep out of his entire filmography?
A: Woody Allen has mentioned a few films that he would keep, including “Zelig,” “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Husbands and Wives,” “Match Point,” and “Midnight in Paris.”
Conclusion
The tale of Woody Allen’s attempt to suppress the release of ‘Manhattan’ highlights the complexities of artistic creation and self-judgment. While filmmakers often become deeply critical of their own work, audience reception can differ greatly, as was the case with ‘Manhattan’. Despite his intentions, the film survived his self-critique and continues to be part of the celebrated canon of Woody Allen’s extensive, albeit selectively admired, filmography.