Just look at all his behavior. He refuses to earn money to support himself. No wonder his wife cuts him off sexually. He then deliberately sabatoges his own paying job. While trying to cheat on his wife.
He's basically a childish, self-indulgent, selfish infant. Like the actual man who chose to sleep with his (essentially) adopted daughter.
So he's not really an innocent hero either.
I won't comment on Woody Allen's personal life, but his character could be seen as douche-like in this film. It does seem that Cliff's marriage was on the rocks when the film started, hence his pursuit of Callie and excessive attachment to his niece; in which case, his behaviour is understandable. But it's also possible that he drove his wife away with his behaviour.
To me, he just seems messed up and self-sabotaging, or childish and self-indulgent as you say. He was given a lucky break by his brother-in-law, and if he had made the documentary professionally, it could have led to bigger things. It seems that he is just spiraling downward, and has to hit bottom before he pulls his life together.
If you were an artist, you'd understand the character a little better.
shareWas his character such an "artist"? There's no indication he'd ever done anything artistically accomplished and, of course, he totally lacked professionalism. In his own way, he was no less self-congratulatory and pompous than Alda's character whom he made fun of.
"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan
Perhaps. I guess because Alda's character is so sleazy it's just easier to assume Woody's character has more integrity.
Like the actual man who chose to sleep with his (essentially) adopted daughter.
I didn't see the character as douchey. I think he felt unfulfilled with his career, as a lot of us do, and was frustrated that his only break was working for the egotistical Lester. Maybe in another year, he could had the success of Michael Moore, but this film was covering a particular downturn in his life, and I think Woody Allen was perfect for the part of the underdog.
share