Woody Allen turns 78 on 1st December 2014.
His 77th year has been as busy as the 50 or so that preceded it. He released 43rd film as a directed (Blue Jasmine) and finished production his 44th (Magic In the Moonlight) in the South of France. He appeared in a film that was a tribute to his work (Paris Manhattan), as well as two TV specials – Casting By and David Blaine: Real Or Magic. We also finally saw the release of To Rome With Love in Japan and You Will Meet A Talk Dark Stranger in Australia.
Off screen, he has remained busy. He wrote two pieces for publications – one for the New Yorker, and one for the New York Times. He announced he is writing the book for the musical Bullets Over Broadway, adapting his own 1994 film. His written works were honoured by Princeton University in a special exhibition.
He remained an important figure in popular culture. ‘The Simpsons‘ paid their biggest tribute to him yet, with Bart and Lisa dressing up as characters from Annie Hall. His relationship with Mia Farrow re-appeared in the press after new interviews in Vanity Fair.
But the main story for this year will be ‘Blue Jasmine‘. It will be one of his biggest box office successes, and recieved some of his best reviews in decades. It remains to be seen if it will add to his long list of awards. But it’s certainly been another good year for Woody Allen the filmmaker.
Throughout it all, Allen continued his music, including his regular Monday night gig at the Carlyle with the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band – 40 of them, including two in France.
With no signs of slowing down and several more projects on the boil, it looks like his 78th year will be equally busy. And we’ll be here to cover it.
Happy birthday Woody Allen.
3 Comments
Happy Birthday Mr. Allen. I wish you the best. You’ve given me many, many, years of WONDERFUL movies. I loved them all, and LOVED Blue Jasmine too! Your view of life has helped me through many difficult times. And I love your latest quote about us being “flushed” every hundred years. You’re a genius!
Take care of yourself for you, AND for all of us who love you.
Affectionately,
Angela
Happy Birthday Woody. Please God many more in good health and much happiness. I was born in the UK EXACTLY the same day (December 1, 1935). Now live in Florida. Mazel Tov
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WOODY!!!! Keep playin’ with your pencil…because when you, do that’s when the magic seems to happen!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! And many more!!!