Woody Allen and Leopardi: The Necessity of Illusion
The article explores the theme of illusion in human existence, drawing parallels between Woody Allen's film 'Annie Hall' (1977) and Giacomo Leopardi's writings. Allen's closing joke about irrational relationships needing 'eggs' echoes Leopardi's belief that illusions are essential for greatness and happiness. The piece traces the concept of illusion from ancient Greek architecture (entasis) to Donatello's bronze relief 'The Miracle of the Repentant Son' (c. 1449), which uses multiple vanishing points to challenge linear perspective. Leopardi's letters from 1820 and his 'Zibaldone' are cited, emphasizing that without illusions, there is no grandeur of thought or action. The article concludes that illusion remains necessary in the grim settings of Dickens' London, Zola's Paris, Testori's Milan, and Calvino's Marcovaldo, where humanity seeks extraordinary connections despite irrationality.
Key facts
- Woody Allen's 'Annie Hall' ends with a joke about needing eggs from a brother who thinks he's a chicken.
- Allen is described as a philosopher and anthropologist deeply familiar with Eastern Europe.
- Ancient Greek architects used entasis to create optical illusions in columns.
- Donatello's 'The Miracle of the Repentant Son' (c. 1449) features multiple vanishing points.
- Giacomo Leopardi wrote in 1820 that 'the world is nothing, and all good lies in sweet illusions.'
- Leopardi's 'Zibaldone' states that without illusions there is no greatness of thought or action.
- The article references Dickens, Zola, Testori, and Calvino as authors depicting grim urban settings.
- The author is Niccolò Lucarelli, a curator and critic.
Entities
Artists
- Woody Allen
- Donatello
- Giacomo Leopardi
- Charles Dickens
- Émile Zola
- Giovanni Testori
- Italo Calvino
- Niccolò Lucarelli
Institutions
- Artribune
Locations
- New York
- Padua
- Basilica del Santo
- London
- Paris
- Milan