Woody Allen's newest film, reportedly being called A Rainy Day in New York, is currently being shot in New York City, and has already created a storm of controversy over the central relationship between two of the lead characters.
The film apparently focuses on a sexual relationship between a 44-year-old man (played by Jude Law) and a 15-year-old girl (played by Elle Fanning).
Elle Fanning and Jude Law go under the umbrella for their new Woody Allen film https://t.co/HqQ50flGCT— A. Movies (@A. Movies) 1508506305.0
ah so in woody allen’s upcoming film a 44 yr old man (jude law) pursues a relationship with a 15 year old character (elle fanning) 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔— Gerri ✨ (@Gerri ✨) 1508781071.0
Making matters worse, Fanning's character is a sort of "concubine" in the film, and many on social media are crying foul, especially when taking into consideration Allen's past, including allegations that the sexually abused and molested his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, when she was young, and the fact that he ended up marrying Mia Farrow's adopted daughter, Soon Yi, whom Allen had been a parental figure for.
⚠️ While isn’t up to me to decide what Diego can or cannot do on his professional career, its up to me to decide wh… https://t.co/1dzFrpQlFx— DiegoLuna.net (@DiegoLuna.net) 1508774730.0
The premise of a relationship between an older man and a much younger woman has been a prevalent theme in many of Allen's films, as many on Twitter have been quick to point out:
“Manhattan” sees a 42-yr-old Allen dating a 17-yr-old. "Husbands and Wives” sees a 56-yr-old Allen pursuing a 19-yr… https://t.co/oxaiOKREGR— T. Becket Adams (@T. Becket Adams) 1508810356.0
"The new film wouldn’t be the first time an Allen feature has centered around the relationship between an older ma… https://t.co/Dj90BEpE5v— Casey Snider (@Casey Snider) 1508869301.0
Indiewire also adds: "He has often cast himself as the love interest opposite younger actresses; there was a 30-year difference with Helena Bonham Carter and a 31-year difference with Mira Sorvino in “Mighty Aphrodite.”
Allen was recently in the news after he called the allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein "sad for everyone involved." After an outcry, Allen clarified his comments, saying: "When I said I felt sad for Harvey Weinstein I thought it was clear the meaning was because he is a sad, sick man."
But apart from the controversy over the inappropriate relationship central to the film, many are criticizing the actors who agreed to be a part of the film despite knowing Allen's history, including Selena Gomez, Timothée Chalamet, and Rebecca Hall.
Selena Gomez stans who defend her for working with woody allen are GROSS, same to Elle Fanning stans, Timothee, Jude Law...— bee (@bee) 1508805449.0
This cast list for A Rainy Day in New York is depressing me. Rebecca Hall. Cherry Jones. Diego Luna. Annaleigh Ashford. Griffin Newman. WTF— Rachel Kolb (@Rachel Kolb) 1508809101.0
INTERVIEW | Woody Allen on his decision to cast Selena Gomez. https://t.co/2IAUUhmfEQ— Selena Gomez News (@Selena Gomez News) 1508729103.0
It reads like a list of people who should know better. Why did these people read this script and decide, "Yes, this… https://t.co/b2hLoX5lkU— Rachel Kolb (@Rachel Kolb) 1508809654.0
selena gomez helped producing a show that dealt with sexual assault & its consequences only to work w/ a rapist in… https://t.co/weyjlcXyhR— aileen (@aileen) 1508872548.0
For many, it boggles the mind:
"For my next trick, I'm going to separate art from artist" -This Cast https://t.co/qX5c3vZCLt— Eli Olsberg (@Eli Olsberg) 1508868522.0
Can you imagine knowing the things ppl say abt you, let alone that they're true, & STILL writing this into ur movie? https://t.co/4kvcGTdiaG— rach gonzalez (@rach gonzalez) 1508824907.0
The film currently has no set release date, but it's expected to hit theaters sometime next year.
After that, who knows what will be next for Allen. But one Twitter user has an idea:
Write what you know, I guess. Maybe the next one can be about a filmmaker in prison. https://t.co/gYEF4iAFiq— Frederick Blichert (@Frederick Blichert) 1508856086.0
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