Broadway Danny Rose (1984)

Title: Broadway Danny Rose
Release Date: 27 January 1984
Directed by: Woody Allen
Starring: Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, Nick Apollo Forte
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087003/
My Rating: (7/10) ★★★★★★★✩✩✩

Woody Allen stars as Broadway Danny Rose, a theatrical manager for a string of really bad talent. His only semi-talented act, Lou Canova, is a washed-up has-been who is cheating on his wife with hardened floozie Tina, played deliciously by Mia Farrow. In order to keep Lou happy, Danny agrees to pick up Tina in Jersey and bring her to what promises to be Lou's make-or-break show. What ensues is a comical string of events that pit Danny against the mob who are seeking blood vengeance because they believe he's having an affair with Tina. In the end, a touching tale of forgiveness emerges with much to say on friendship, success and devotion. A fine flick with great comic moments.

Stardust Memories (1980)

(Traveling through the films of Woody Allen)

Title: Stardust Memories
Release Date: 26 September 1980
Directed by: Woody Allen
Starring: Woody Allen, Charlotte Rampling, Jessica Harper
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081554/

My Rating: (9/10) ★★★★★★★★★✩

A complex and multi-faceted look inside the mind of a successful film director, stunted by his own early success and experiencing the loss of his own anonymity. This film explores, in a metatheatrical way, the sycophantic nature of the public who throughout the film declare their love and adoration for Sandy Bates (Allen), constantly interrupting his life and shining flashbulbs in his face at the most inopportune times. Meanwhile, the studio execs for Sandy's next film are determined to change the ending and make it more commercial.  The film, they say, suffers from too much reality and "reality is not what the public wants." Ultimately, the film shows that unless you figure out a way to blind yourself to the insurmountable negatives in this world, your life will ultimately be meaningless.

Brilliantly shot in black and white, the photography is outstanding and unique. Creative wide shots tell a much greater story than the closeups other directors might have chosen, and Woody works with a mostly new cast of collaborators. Of particular note, Charlotte Rampling as Dorrie. 

It's interesting to watch his films mature though it is hard to believe him when he says they aren't autobiographical.