Offered as a candid, behind-the-scenes look at Woody Allen away from the sound stage, this "documentary" is about as real as one might expect with a camera following the principals everywhere (well, almost everywhere). Woody, in particular, seems inhibited by the camera's presence; there are no "private moments" - at least not after the footage was edited - and no hint of frustration, boredom, fatigue, or any other negatives that would inevitably arise during a tour that involved constant travel. Picture the full scene of the small talk between Soon-Yi and Woody in the gondola - i.e., not just the two of them and the discreet gondolier, but the cameraperson and soundperson a few feet away, filming and recording these supposedly spontaneous, uninhibited comments.
A more rounded (that is to say, less selective) portrayal of Woody obviously would not have been altogether flattering. The finished product raises the question of what Woody & Co.'s purpose was in producing this film. Anyone who views it expecting a "show" with angst, gags and the rest of the Woody Allen package will be as disappointed as were members of the audience at the jazz concerts who expected something more than just clarinet playing.
A more rounded (that is to say, less selective) portrayal of Woody obviously would not have been altogether flattering. The finished product raises the question of what Woody & Co.'s purpose was in producing this film. Anyone who views it expecting a "show" with angst, gags and the rest of the Woody Allen package will be as disappointed as were members of the audience at the jazz concerts who expected something more than just clarinet playing.