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September has been a busy month indeed. The Woody Allen Jazz Band culminated their European tour at the esteemed Le Grand Rex in Paris. A noteworthy detail: Louis Lumière, often regarded as the pioneer of cinema, graced this illustrious venue during its inauguration in 1932. One can only imagine the conversations and legendary figures of the arts that have set foot within its walls.

Aficionados of jazz and Woody's films have been flocking to the shows in cities from Milan to Athens and from Barcelona to Paris. The consensus? Overwhelmingly positive acclaim!

Were you unable to attend the live performances? No worries. We invite you to sit back and enjoy this fantastic footage of Woody and his ensemble playing at the incredible Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens.

Coup De Chance - 27th of September

The title of Woody Allen's 50th film (as most of you will already know by now) is "Coup de Chance". The global premiere of this romantic thriller took place at the Venice Film Festival, where the director received a 5 minute standing ovation from a very appreciative audience. This is Woody Allen’s first ever French-language movie which was filmed in Paris, a city we know he adores. The reviews have been positive on the whole with Variety saying “Will Woody Allen get lucky with “Coup de Chance”? He has made what is easily his best movie since “Blue Jasmine” (10 years ago), maybe since “Match Point” (18 years ago).”

There’s no UK or US release date yet but 10 other countries are counting down until it’s confirmed release dates.

Watch the trailer below …

Quote of the Month

"All people know the same truth. Our lives consist of how we chose to distort it." - Harry Block (Deconstructing Harry, 1997)

The intricacies of interpersonal relationships, the whims of love, and the philosophical struggles that Woody Allen's characters experience are frequently explored in his films. The subjective character of reality, a recurrent issue in many of his writings, is summed up in this quotation. This statement may strike a chord with fans as a commentary on how frequently Allen's characters wrestle with their own versions of the truth, whether it be in regard to their personal difficulties, relationships or careers. Each person sees the world through a unique lens that is influenced by their desires, anxieties and experiences. It is possible to view the "distortion" of truth as a coping technique, a means of navigating life's turbulence and uncertainties.

Film Spotlight: Annie Hall (1977)

One of Woody Allen's most well-known movies is "Annie Hall," which came out in 1977. The movie, which is set in New York City, focuses on the romantic and existential adventures of neurotic comedian Alvy Singer and his relationship with the titular Annie Hall, played by Diane Keaton with her usual charm.

Mini Review

In "Annie Hall," Allen crafts a narrative that is both a love letter to New York and a poignant exploration of modern relationships. The film is full of the director's signature wit and sharp dialogue, interspersed with introspective moments that probe the complexities of love and the human condition. Diane Keaton's portrayal of Annie is both full of delight and yet also profound, making her one of the most enduring characters in cinematic history. The film's non-linear structure, breaking the fourth wall and its innovative use of subtitles to reveal inner thoughts were groundbreaking for its time. Allen's on point, self-deprecating humour, combined with Keaton's close to perfect performance, creates a film that is both hilariously funny and surprisingly moving.

Cultural Impact

Since its release, "Annie Hall" has left an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema and popular culture. It redefined the romantic comedy genre, moving away from saccharine plots to a more realistic, albeit neurotic, portrayal of love. The film's influence can be seen in countless romantic comedies that followed, which adopted its introspective and analytical approach to relationships. Annie's distinct fashion sense, especially her androgynous attire comprising ties, vests, and hats, sparked a fashion trend in the late '70s and remains emblematic of her character. Phrases from the film, like "La-di-da," became part of the cultural lexicon. Moreover, "Annie Hall" cemented New York City's status as a central character in Allen's films, influencing a generation of filmmakers to capture the city's unique blend of romance and grit.

A Favourite Among Woody Allen Fans

For ardent Woody Allen fans, "Annie Hall" encapsulates the essence of what makes Allen's films so endearing. It's a perfect blend of his neurotic humour, philosophical musings and keen observations on love and life. The film doesn't just tell a love story; it delves into the psyche of its characters, making it relatable and timeless. The chemistry between Allen and Keaton is palpable, making their on-screen relationship feel genuine and heartfelt. Furthermore, the film's innovative storytelling techniques showcased Allen's prowess as a filmmaker, setting it apart from his earlier works and making it a standout in his illustrious career.

Fan Corner

Every edition we will feature fan art or some other kind of appreciation of Woody Allen’s films, writing or music. Today we introduce Yu Nagaba, a Japanese artist known for his unique style of illustration. He was born in 1982 in Fukuoka, Japan. Nagaba's work often features simple line drawings with a focus on capturing the essence of everyday life and human interactions.

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