At the bottom of this blog entry, I have posted a youtube link to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox introducing Woody Allen’s 1980 comedy-drama Stardust Memories. You can read his transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was July 2, 1989 (read here). True, Federico Fellini’s 1963 Italian classic 8 1/2 may have served as a main influence (especially Gordon Willis black-and-white cinematography), but Allen has denied that his own film is similarly autobiographical (read here). His controversial personal life notwithstanding, Allen was an immensely talented director and writer, not to mention comedian, at one time. Since the mid-1990’s though, he became a hit-or-miss director with more examples of the latter. Nevertheless, I could not have stated what Cox says in that last paragraph of his alone, especially concerning the presence of the always lovely and wonderful Charlotte Rampling (read here). If you are interested in reading my list of my favorite Woody Allen films, read here.
Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Stardust Memories
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
cinematiccoffee 
I was a huge fan of Allen as a stand-up comedian, and in his early films. Manhattan and Annie Hall still entrance me, as do Radio Days and Hannah and Her Sisters. I was less happy with his often slapstick more physical comedies, and as for Stardust Memories, I came down on the side of those who thought it was self-indulgent.
I did go back to him for Sweet and Lowdown, which I found very affecting and memorable.
Best wishes, Pete.
What a riot looking at the video of Alex Cox…Never saw Stardust Memories.
Another Moviedrome Monday, another film I’ve yet to see. I’ve never really been into Woody Allen. It’s not that I dislike him or his work, I’ve just never found the time or the inclination to catch up on his films. Annie Hall is sitting on my DVR at the moment, so I’m looking forward to watching that one again.
I am intrigued that Alex Cox compares Woody here to the central character in Preston Sturges’ Sullivan’s Travels. That and 2 minutes of Charlotte Rampling that is serious and amazing is more than enough to pique my interest.
I agree with Cox on Stardust Memories and as for Sweet and Lowdown, it was good, but far from great or very good Allen. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Prior to hosting Moviedrome, Alex Cox was best known for directing such idiosyncratic items as Repo Man and Sid and Nancy among others. Here is a wikipedia link on him below in case you are interested and thanks for dropping by 🙂
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Cox
I think you will, at the very least, admire (If not adore) Stardust Memories – similar to my own opinion of the film. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Thanks John!
Underrated Woody!
That it is. I mean make no mistake, Stardust Memories is still (to this day for me) a Woody Allen film that I admire more than adore, but their is still a lot to offer. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂