Woody Allen: What’s with Baum? (Swift Press 2025)
Woody Allen is one of the most well-known and controversial figures in Hollywood. Despite his personal problems and lawsuits, he has made an inescapable impact with 50 films and numerous writings. His work has been awarded numerous prizes: he holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for Best Original Screenplay, with a total of 16, winning three of it with Annie Hall, Hannah and Her Sisters, and Midnight in Paris. He also won the award for directing Annie Hall, and his actors have also received the honor several times. He stated that his 50th movie would be his last.
He had previously written short stories and stand-up comedy performances, but after his last film he wrote his first novel. The main character of the story is Asher Baum, a Jewish journalist who has recently tried himself at writing plays and novels, but his philosophical works have not been well received by the critics. Asher is most afraid of death, space, time and the universe and his goal as a writer is not only to entertain his readers but also to change their lives and answer questions that he himself may not know the answer to. He wants to follow in the footsteps of Dostoevsky and Kafka, but unfortunately he has not succeeded in doing so yet. However, his stepson has already established himself among the greatest with his first novel.
While reading the book, I discovered several ideas that Woody Allen has already discussed in his films. A significant part of the plot takes place in Asher’s head. He recalls significant and less significant events in his life and, despite the absurdity of the story, it is very lifelike. The author seeks answers to important questions such as the role of God and man in life, the relationship between man and woman or truth. After all, he has wanted to answer these questions all his life.
I really liked the story, it was much better than his shorter writings. I have also decided to watch more Woody Allen movies. If you would like to read more about him, I recommend the interview book Woody Allen on Woody Allen – In Conversation with Stig Björkman, which is also one of my favorites.
