Woody Allen A Brilliant Personality Programme (Press, 25 September 1979)
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Summary: Woody Allen A Brilliant Personality Programme (Press, 25 September 1979)
On 25 September 1979, John Collins provided a critique of the television show "Survivors," hosted by Brian Edwards, which was originally scheduled to air on Sunday night on Television One but was replaced by a program featuring Woody Allen. Collins likened Allen to a blend of notable New Zealand personalities and praised him as a fitting substitute that starkly highlighted the shortcomings of "Survivors." He noted that Allen's introspective and articulate nature contrasted sharply with the inarticulateness displayed by the participants in Edwards' series. Collins suggested that the guests on "Survivors" often struggled to engage meaningfully in conversation, which he considered a reflection of a broader societal issue concerning communication. He expressed doubt that this issue would improve, emphasizing the cultural inclination towards valuing ordinariness, a trait he found unexciting for television viewing. While he appreciated Edwards' intentions with the show, Collins critiqued its execution, implying that the interviews were aired out of necessity rather than genuine interest. He acknowledged the ordinariness of the featured survivors, asserting that such mediocrity lacked the compelling nature necessary for engaging television. In contrast, the Woody Allen program drew the author's admiration. Collins recognised that Allen's unique comedic perspective and willingness to explore new ideas made the show riveting. He noted that while some viewers might struggle to understand Allen's humour, those who appreciate his creative process would find significant value in the dialogue about artistic risks and the drive beyond mere commercial success. Overall, Collins concluded that while "Survivors" may have fallen short, the substitution by Allen proved captivating, underscoring both the challenges of engaging an audience and the brilliance that comes with artistic exploration.
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