On Critic Proof, Alyssa and Matt consider the sexual assault allegations against Woody Allen in the context of the culture wars. Matt recalls growing up in a conservative home and finding Allen’s films offensive. Is the liberal elite turning on Allen because of the emerging celebrity of Ronan Farrow? To what extent are Allen’s films based on his real life? Next, they remember Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died of a heroin overdose at 46. Has the coverage of the circumstances of Hoffman’s death been appropriate? Why are so many great artists also substance abusers? Can any actor of Hoffman’s generation fill his shoes?
Play entire videoDylan Farrow accuses Woody Allen of sexual assault in the NYT
Matt’s take on Allen and the culture wars
Esquire’s reconsideration of Allen’s films
Joan Didion on “Manhattan” in the NYRB
Didion’s “Slouching Towards Bethlehem”
Annie Lowrey on marriage promotion in the NYT
Moses Farrow defends Allen
Article in The Atlantic on child sex abuse
NY Times article on Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last days
Alyssa on Hoffman’s death
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