Woody Allen recently met with the international press at the Venice Film Festival to promote his 50th film as a director, “Coup de Chance.” This film, which is premiering out of competition, explores the role that chance and luck play in our lives. Notably, it is Allen’s first feature told entirely in the French language and features a cast of all French stars.
During the press conference, Allen was asked to reflect on the role of luck in his own life. He expressed gratitude for the many fortunate aspects of his life, including having loving parents, good friends, a wonderful marriage, and children. In addition, he acknowledged the undeserved praise, attention, and respect he has received throughout his lifetime. Allen humorously remarked that he hopes his good fortune continues, but only time will tell.
“Coup de Chance” follows the story of Fanny and Jean, a seemingly ideal married couple who live in a beautiful apartment in Paris and appear deeply in love. However, when Fanny unexpectedly encounters her former high school classmate, Alain, she is immediately drawn to him. As their paths continue to cross, Fanny and Alain grow closer and closer, complicating her relationship with Jean.
In recent years, Allen has faced challenges in securing financing for his films in the United States due to the #MeToo movement and the resurfacing of abuse allegations made by his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow. However, European audiences and film companies continue to embrace him, as evidenced by the prominent platform “Coup de Chance” has received at the Venice Film Festival. The film is set to be released in France on September 27th.
Originally, “Coup de Chance” was intended to be set in New York, but Allen adapted the script for France to overcome financial constraints and to fulfill his desire to shoot there once again. During the press conference, Allen’s controversial reputation in the United States was not brought up. The director of the Venice Film Festival, Alberto Barbera, has consistently defended Allen and expressed his confusion as to why Americans have turned against him. However, towards the end of the briefing, Allen was asked if he would ever consider making a film in New York City again, the setting of many of his most influential works. He responded that if someone were to agree to finance his film in New York and accept his unusual restrictions of not reading the script or knowing the cast, then he would consider making a film there.
In conclusion, Woody Allen’s 50th film, “Coup de Chance,” has garnered attention as his first feature told entirely in French. The film explores the role of chance and luck in our lives through the story of Fanny, Jean, and Alain. While Allen has faced challenges in the United States due to recent controversies, European audiences and film companies continue to support him. Despite this, Allen remains open to the possibility of returning to New York City for future film projects if the right circumstances arise.
