[ad_1]
A new documentary series airing Sunday on the HBO network, “Allen v. Farrow,” paints a damning picture of Oscar-winning director Woody Allen, especially with regard to his alleged sexual abuse of adopted young daughter Dylan Farrow.
Even though the four-part series doesn’t contain any major revelations, it looks certain to further tarnish the aging New York filmmaker’s already battered reputation.
Respected documentary makers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering delve into Allen’s past, using testimony and legal documents – some never before seen – to dig deeper than anyone before them.
Dylan Farrow accused Allen of sexually assaulting her in August 1992, when she was only seven years old – an allegation he has consistently denied.
The documentary draws a line between Dylan’s alleged abuse and Allen’s relationship with then-partner Mia Farrow’s adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn, who is now his wife.
More generally, the series examines his attraction to young girls. The documentary cites court documents and testimony indicating that Allen had sex with Soon-Yi while she was underage.
Sixteen when they met, she is now 50; Allen is 35 years his senior.
In addition to these disturbing elements, “Allen v. Farrow” details Allen’s supposed penchant for manipulation – particularly of the press – as he sought to undermine damaging accusations and discredit Mia Farrow.
The film strongly suggests that it could have successfully derailed the two official investigations into the case, which resulted in no charges.
– On the complicity –
More broadly, the documentary denounces the pre- # MeToo culture of male domination, which allowed powerful men in show business and other fields to abuse their positions with impunity, sometimes in full knowledge of others in their professional circles. .
“Allen v. Farrow” will have a particular resonance in France, where it will air next month on the OCS network amid a recent spate of incest allegations involving several public figures.
The film also describes how Allan Konigsberg – Woody Allen’s real name – continued to enjoy the seemingly unwavering support of many actors in the film world, even as Farrow lost roles and, she said, is became persona non grata in Hollywood.
It was only in 2017, following the publication of an opinion piece by Dylan Farrow and with the very public support of his brother Ronan – journalist and first hero of the #MeToo movement – that the actors and actresses began to turn their backs on the octogenarian director, who remains isolated today.
For filmmaker Dick, the documentary’s message goes far beyond Allen, though it bears his name. “It’s really not about him,” Dick told the Washington Post.
“It’s more about the systemic,” Ziering added. “This movie is about bonding, the power of fame, the power of spin, of how we’re all viral and will believe something that’s being repeated enough.”
“Allen v. Farrow ”also examines Dylan Farrow, who is opening up like never before and who, nearly 30 years later, is still showing signs of deep trauma.
“There is so much misinformation… so many lies,” she said. “I was subjected to all kinds of doubts, to all kinds of examinations and to all kinds of humiliations” while her father “was able to run wild.”
A major absence looms over the series’ four hours as she puts together her ruthless indictment – that of Allen himself, though it does include excerpts from her 2020 autobiography “Apropos of Nothing” , read by the director for the audiobook.
No one comes to Allen’s defense, not even his wife Soon-Yi or his adopted son Moses, both of whom have stood up for him in the past but refused to participate in the documentary.
Contacted by AFP for comment, Allen did not respond.
“I think a lot of people, when they see this – even those who are currently defending Woody Allen – I think they’ll either change their minds or look at it in a very different way,” Dick said.
tu / bbk / acb
Source link
