Episode 079: Deconstructing Harry (1997)

What Charlie Chaplin did to Adolf Hitler in “The Great Dictator” Woody Allen does to himself in “Deconstructing Harry”.

Written & Directed by Woody Allen. Starring Woody Allen, Hazelle Goodman, Judy Davis, Elisabeth Shue, Kirstie Alley, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Julie Kavner, Demi Moore, Amy Irving, Caroline Aaron, Mariel Hemingway, Tobey Maguire, Robin Williams, Stanley Tucci, Bob Balaban, Eric Bogosian, Billy Crystal

How is the world wrong about Deconstructing Harry?

From Andras: Woody Allen’s films are often used, misleadingly, as evidence to justify the accusations against him. A film like “Deconstructing Harry” does the opposite. In Allen’s most direct cinematic response to the end of his relationship with Mia Farrow he portrays himself as a pill popping, booze swilling, womanizer who brings misery upon those around him by using their lives for his art. A guilty man might be expected to portray himself as innocent but Allen seems to be saying, “It’s true. I am horrible. Just not the way you think”. This is not only the response of an innocent man. It’s the response of a great artist.

Currently available on Tubi.