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HE’S THE MAN behind unforgettable romantic comedies like Annie Hall and Manhattan, and though some of his latter output has been so-so, Woody Allen is still considered a cinematic great.
But the 79-year-old bespectacled director is also a controversial figure. His marriage to his ex-partner Mia Farrow’s adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn was roundly criticised due to the age-gap of 35 years. The couple have now been married for 22 years.
Then, last year, Allen’s adopted daughter Dylan Farrow wrote an open letter in which she accused him of sexually abusing her as a child. Allen denied the claims and has never been charged in connection to them.
A new series
Now comes the news that Allen is to create a series for Amazon Prime, a site which is not just a book-buyer’s dream, but also home to the Golden Globe-winning show Transparent.
Allen has “no ideas” for the series, according to his statement, which may just be the director turning his self-deprecating humour on himself. But Amazon Prime says that he will produce a season of half-hour shows for them.
Amazon Studios Vice-President Roy Price described Allen as a “visionary creator” and said that working with him is an “honour”.
It’s a big move, from big screen to small-screen streaming, for Allen.
Sophie Conn / TwitterWoody Allen tv series??? Can I get a hell yeaaaaahhhhhh!?!?!? #WoodyAllen
— Sophie Conn (@sophconn) January 13, 2015
But the commentary on the news has not just been focused on his craft – it’s also a way for people to comment on the controversy surrounding his life.
For some, not watching the series is a way of stepping away from supporting him.
For others, the fact that he is accused of molestation means that Amazon should not be showing support for him at all. Beyond all this, there are those who are fans of Allen’s work, aside from his personal life.
Kate Kulzick / TwitterI won't be watching the new Woody Allen show and I don't plan to talk about it either. I'm disappointed in Amazon, but sadly, not surprised.
— Kate Kulzick (@TheTeleverse) January 13, 2015
There have also been plentiful Bill Cosby comparisons. Unlike Allen, Cosby has been accused of a string of sexual assaults. The LA County district attorney declined to press charges against Cosby over one of the cases. Vulture has a full timeline of the charges against the comedian here.
Nestlé Snipes / Twitter#WoodyAllen just got a deal for a TV show on Amazon? So yeah...just sweat it out Bill Cosby.
— Foncé Noir Black😷 💉 (@ChocnessMonsta) January 13, 2015
The Washington Post delved into the question of why Woody Allen’s career has “survived and Billy Cosby’s has not”, and pointed out that the two men “had very different crisis-management strategies”.
Allen has also received a huge amount of support from fans over the news. And at this point, there are most definitely no signs of Amazon or Allen stepping away from the deal over some online criticism.
The company knew of Allen’s personal life before they signed him, and the reaction may not be unexpected.
George Strompolos / TwitterWoody Allen's Amazon quote today is 1 of the best ever: “I don’t know how I got into this. I have no ideas and I’m not sure where to begin."
— George Strompolos (@gstrompolos) January 13, 2015
What the series will be like, of course, remains to be seen. Though some have a suspicion they know exactly what to expect, given Allen’s form…
amy o'connor / Twitter"I have no ideas," says Woody Allen, before scribbling "neurotic old man, beautiful young woman???" in notebook. pic.twitter.com/mKnnXtCoFc
— ⭐ amy o'connor ⭐ (@amyohconnor) January 13, 2015
Joshua Malina / TwitterGreat news for old actors and young actresses!! “@EW: Woody Allen is getting an @Amazon television series: http://t.co/h8aRLrJlOV”
— (((Jew))) (@JoshMalina) January 13, 2015
All going to plan, the series will be available on Prime Instant Video next year in the US, UK and Germany.
What do you think?
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Surrogacy is exploitative IMHO. No one, gay or straight, is entitled to be a parent. I know that’s harsh but it’s also true.
@Sean Ryan: entitled? Yes I think that’s a fair point but those who can’t have children or have difficulty having them or those in same sex relationships should be given every opportunity to fulfil that need. I have met people who not been able to have children. It has cost them huge amounts of money even relationships & I think these people often deserve more help and support.
@Allora: I see it as a “want” rather than a “need”. People can be supported in wanting a child without surrogacy.
Babies rights ignored as usual
The whole idea of surrigacy is gruesomd
I’ve heard the same people make the argument that the sex trade commodities women’s bodies to the highest bidder, whilst also supporting surrogacy which commodities women’s bodies to the highest bidder.
@Ivor McTin: Really? You’re comparing someone bringing a life into the world to someone getting their hole? You do realise in the majority of cases surrogate mothers don’t actually have sex with the father. Why do you find a woman doing the most natural thing in the world- having a baby, offensive if it’s entirely a free and willing choice?
@David F. Dwyer: having a someone else’s baby for cash, without having to do the deed, is hardly what one would call “the most natural thing in the world” mate – lolz.
Also you are projecting “offense” on to the guy’s post. He was making an observation about other people – not getting outraged himself – jeez.
@UK Hurling Bloke: Why did you put “offense” in quotes when I used the adjective in its correct form, not a misspelling of the noun? Try reading what a person says instead of projecting yourself, you dink.
P.S. sorry for you that you consider procreation unnatural.
@David F. Dwyer: it’s not a free and willing choice, it’s a lucrative and willing choice.
@Coco Walsh: So what?
Because Ireland clearly has not faked enough birth certificates in the past
Sorry to break it to some of you, but not every surrogate does it for money.. some offer to become a surrogate for friends or family because all other options have been exhausted… it’s the greatest gift that can be given …
have your say