Unlike most people, I came to become a fan of Woody Allen through his prose, as opposed to his films. I was in Community College and I took this class called "Humor in American Literature." We read several of Allen's pieces. I thought they were quite humorous. So, I decided to give his films a chance. I went to Blockbuster and picked up a couple. Spurning chronology and reviews, I rented "Hannah and Her Sisters", "Annie Hall", and "The Curse of the Jade Scorpion." I enjoyed them all. After that, I became a devoted fan. I think I'm one of the few people in my age bracket (outside of film and/or philosophy students) that give a crap about Woody Allen still.
It's easy, especially of people in my circles of friends, to be dismissive of Allen's work because of his personal life. I choose to go the other route. I point out to people that they do the same things with other things they enjoy, so why apply that to Allen. To do so is to miss out on some amazing, insightful art.
Anyone who knows me knows that I frown on atheism, and with Woody I make no exceptions. However, Allen is one of 3 atheists that has had a profound impact on my life. Interestingly, 2 of them have influenced my sense of humor. Still, my encounter with Woody's characters has forced my to look at his arguments, and has actually strengthed my own faith. But rather than dwell on Allen's lack of faith, let me examine two positive characteristics that I like to point out. One is his interesting sense of optimism (on some things), and his sense of romance. That's what I like about Woody Allen.
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