Sweetland Films (USA): 8

Small Time Crooks (2000), an American crime-comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen, follows the story of career criminal Ray and his cohorts as they hatch a plan to lease a defunct pizzeria. Their goal? To dig a tunnel from the basement of the restaurant to a nearby bank. In order to cover their tracks, Ray’s wife Frenchy cleverly disguises their activities, selling cookies out of the front of the establishment. However, their robbery scheme proves to be unsuccessful, while their cookie business becomes wildly popular. As they expand their enterprise through franchising, the once down-and-out duo become ...

Sweet and Lowdown (1999), a American comedy-drama mockumentary by Woody Allen, tells the story of jazz guitarist Emmet Ray. Inspired by Federico Fellini’s La Strada, the film follows Ray’s rise to fame in the 1930s with his recordings for RCA Victor. However, after his sudden disappearance from the public eye, Ray’s personal life takes a turn for the worse. He struggles with alcoholism and often shows up late or even misses performances with his quintet. In addition, he indulges in lavish spending, womanizing and pimping. When he’s not focused on music or women, Ray spends his time shooting rats ...

Celebrity (1998), an American comedy-drama film by Woody Allen, follows the story of a divorced couple who take different paths in life. Lee Simon, an unsuccessful novelist who turns to travel writing after his midlife crisis and split from his insecure ex-wife, Robin, a former English teacher of sixteen years. As he navigates the world of celebrity journalism, Lee’s search for purpose is hindered by his constant pursuit of fame and struggles with insecurities and neuroses, causing him to miss out on multiple opportunities. As she moves forward, Robin sheds her numerous neuroses ...

Deconstructing Harry (1997) is a dark comedy film from the United States that Woody Allen wrote, directed, and acted in. One evening, Lucy hails a taxi to visit Harry Block, a well-known author in Manhattan. Recently finishing his latest book, Lucy is upset to see that her own affair with Harry has been used as inspiration for the character Leslie’s affair with her sister’s husband Ken. Enraged by this public portrayal of their relationship, Lucy pulls out a gun she had concealed in her purse and threatens to take her own life. She then turns the weapon on Harry and begins shooting at him. As he runs away ...

Everyone Says I Love You (1996) is a musical film created by Woody Allen. Djuna Berlin, also known as D.J., acts as the narrator for the stories within the lavish and inclusive Park Avenue household she resides in. This home was formed through the union of her mother, the ever-dedicated activist Steffi, and Bob Dandridge, a lawyer. The only current issue in this household is Scott Dandridge, Bob’s son from his previous marriage, who has taken on conservative views. Steffi and Bob’s two children together, teenage Lane and Laura Dandridge, are inseparable but may run into conflict as they both have feelings ...

The American comedy film, Mighty Aphrodite (1995), written and directed by Woody Allen, also features him in a leading role. The opening scene takes us to ancient Greek ruins which serve as the backdrop for the introduction and narration of Lenny Weinrib’s story. Lenny lives in Manhattan and works as a sportswriter, while his wife Amanda is an ambitious art curator. They decide to adopt a baby boy who they name Max. As Lenny spends more time with Max, he realizes that the child is highly gifted. This piques Lenny’s interest and he becomes determined to uncover Max’s biological mother’s identity. ...

Don’t Drink the Water (1994), an American made-for-television comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen, takes place in 1961 during the height of the Cold War. Mr. Magee, the US Ambassador to a smaller European posting behind the Iron Curtain, plays an important role in trying to end the war. His son, Axel Magee, is also part of the diplomatic corps at the same embassy and holds a Harvard degree. However, despite his education and position, Axel is known for being a total screw-up as a diplomat. Despite other qualified and capable staff members like Mr. Kilroy, Ambassador Magee appoints Axel as head of the ...

Bullets Over Broadway (1994) is a comedic, crime-themed film helmed by acclaimed director Woody Allen. It tells the story of David Shayne, an aspiring playwright who moves to New York City in 1928 with high hopes for his newest work, God of Our Fathers. In his search for financial backing, he is persuaded by producer Julian Marx to hire Olive Neal, the girlfriend of notorious gangster Nick Valenti, for a minor role. Despite Olive’s lack of talent and Shayne’s mounting frustration, he finds solace in casting faded star Helen Sinclair as the lead and dieting British actor Warner Purcell. However, complications ...