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  • Published: 15 September 2018
  • ISBN: 9780804170840
  • Imprint: Knopf US
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $37.00

Start to Finish

Woody Allen and the Art of Moviemaking



An inside view of Woody Allen's filmmaking process--from inception to premiere--by his longtime biographer.

In this fascinating insight into the artistic process, longtime Woody Allen biographer Eric Lax follows the legendary director through the making of a movie—from start to finish. Charting the production of Allen’s forty-sixth directorial feature, Irrational Man—starring Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone—from inception to premier, Lax takes us onto the set and behind the scenes, revealing the intimate details of Allen’s filmmaking. We see the screenplay being shaped, the scenes being prepared, and the actors, cinematographers, editors, and other participants at work. We hear Allen’s colleagues speak candidly about working with him, and Allen speaking with equal openness about his career. An unprecedented insight into one of the foremost filmmakers of our time, Start to Finish is sure to delight not only movie buffs and Allen fans, but everyone who has marveled at the magic of the movies.

  • Published: 15 September 2018
  • ISBN: 9780804170840
  • Imprint: Knopf US
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $37.00

About the author

Eric Lax

Eric Lax was born in British Columbia in 1944 and grew up near San Diego. After graduating from Hobart College, he spent five years as Peace Corps volunteer and staff member. He is the author of On Being Funny: Woody Allen and Comedy and Life and Death on 10 West. His articles have appeared in The Atlantic, the New York Times Magazine, Life and Esquire, where he was a contributing editor. He lives in Beverly Hills with his wife, Karen, and their two sons.

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Praise for Start to Finish

Praise for Eric Lax's books about Woody Allen:

  • "A gem of a biography, smartly written, well-researched, exhibiting a generosity of spirit." --San Francisco Chronicle
  • "A veritable master class in filmmaking, with much to interest and amuse anyone who loves movies." --The New York Times Book Review
  • "Required reading for Woodyphiles.... The insights Lax provides into Allen's filmmaking technique are invaluable." --The Kansas City Star
  • "Fascinating.... Readers will find a trove of Woody-on-Woody insight." --The Baltimore Sun
  • "Lax's informed questions ... allow Allen to speak with intelligence and maturity." --The Washington Post
  • "Mesmerizing." --Financial Times
  • "As smart and funny and touching and absolutely original as a Woody Allen movie." --Cosmopolitan