Woody Allen Discusses Trump with Bill Maher

During a recent interview with Bill Maher, Woody Allen, a four-time Oscar winner, shared his thoughts on President Trump and a range of other topics. The conversation took place in a casual setting, reflecting Allen’s nuanced perspective on the current cultural climate.

Allen, who cast a young Trump in the 1998 film Celebrities, described the movie as an underrated gem. It features a host of cameos, including stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Charlize Theron. Trump’s appearance served as more than just a cameo; he seemed to fit into the world of celebrity that the film explores.

At one point, Allen joked about acquiring St. Patrick’s Cathedral and making grand plans, half-seriously suggesting he might build something impressive there.

The lengthy interview, lasting around 90 minutes, also addressed Allen’s career setbacks, particularly in light of accusations that he vehemently denies. Maher noted that much of the backlash against Allen came from the political left, which seemed to resonate with him.

Despite the challenges he has faced, the 89-year-old director expressed a sense of resilience. He remarked that he had already made numerous films and was financially secure enough to weather the storm. Allen’s candor about feeling betrayed by some former collaborators revealed a layered emotion—he suggested that those who distanced themselves from him were misguided.

Notably, he doesn’t oppose the #MeToo movement, but sees a distinction between its purpose and what he calls “cancel culture.” He underscored the importance of acknowledging women’s rights but criticized the idea of canceling individuals outright. “Cancellation is not a way to deal with the problem,” he noted, referencing historical precedents like the McCarthy era.

When Maher brought up Trump, Allen was clear that he doesn’t identify as a “Trumper.” He appreciated Trump as a skilled actor during their time working together, acknowledging his professional abilities while still distinguishing himself as a Democrat.

The dialogue was lively, albeit slightly uneven due to Maher’s frequent interruptions. Nonetheless, for fans of Allen, it was heartening to see him maintain his sharpness and composure, even when dealing with difficult topics over recent years.

While there’s no new film from Allen at the moment, he shared that he’s working on a play to be staged in Europe, set to be released soon. It appears Woody Allen is still very much engaged in the creative process, despite the setbacks he has experienced.