Reconstructing Woody: Art, Love, and Life in the Films of Woody Allen For too long, the films of Woody Allen have been interpreted as expressions of deconstructionism, nihilism, and postmodern angst. In this pathbreaking new book, distinguished writer Mary P. Nichols challenges these assumptions by arguing that Allen’s entire body of work, from “Play It Again, Sam” to “Mighty Aphrodite,” is actually an attempt to explore and reconcile the tension between art and life. As witty and complex as its subject, “Reconstructing Woody” shows why Allen, despite his recent personal turmoil, is immensely concerned with human ethics, goodness, and virtue. (Bullets over Broadway) 179 Ardent fans and strident detractors will view 13. The Sportswriter and the Whore Woody Allen’s films from an entirely new (Mighty Aphrodite) 195 perspective. 14. The Comic 211 Notes 223 Acknowledgements vii Bibliography 245 Preface ix Index 249 1. The Interpreter and the Artist 1 About the Author 255 2. The Hero and the Klutz (Play It Again, Sam) 19 3. The Anhedonist and the Singer (Annie Hall) 33 4. The Interior Decorator and the Vulgarian (Interiors) 49 5. The Director and the Fan (Stardust Memories) 65 6. The Empiricist and the Image Maker (A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy) 83 7. The Changing Man and the Psychiatrist (Zelig) 99 8. The Actor and the Character (The Purple Rose of Cairo) 115 9. The Eavesdropper and the Patient (Another Woman) 131 10. The Ophthalmologist and the Filmmaker (Crimes and Misdemeanors) 149 11. The Detectives (Manhatten Murder Mystery) 165 12. The Murderer and the Playwright .