Deborah Ross

Why, Woody, why? A Rainy Day in New York reviewed

Why include a story about an older man lusting after a young college girl in a tiny skirt?

Selina Gomez as Shannon and Timothée Chalamet as Gatsby in A Rainy Day in New York (Akg-Images / Perdido Productions Gravier Productions) 
issue 06 June 2020

A Rainy Day in New York is Woody Allen’s 49th film and it’s not been without its troubles. When accusations of sexual abuse made by his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, resurfaced, Amazon Studios ditched it. Then its star, Timothée Chalamet, apologised for being in it and donated his earnings to charity. We may never know the truth about the allegations and I wouldn’t wish to speculate as I’m a coward at heart and don’t want to end up on the wrong side of history. I can only put it like this: whereas I once idolised Allen — ‘Don’t worry. We can walk to the kerb!’ is something I still say when someone parks badly — the decisions he’s now making are definitely landing on the wrong side of creepy. Why include a story about an older man lusting after a young college girl in a tiny skirt; why? You’re a smart fella.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in