Woody Allen Directs Himself: New Book Review
Woody Allen‘s “What’s with Baum?”: A Novelistic Self-Portrait
Table of Contents
In 2025, Woody Allen’s literary debut, ”What’s with Baum?”, continues to spark discussion not for its narrative innovation, but for its strikingly autobiographical nature. Published initially in 1965,teh novel isn’t so much a work of fiction as it is indeed a thinly veiled exploration of Allen’s own anxieties,obsessions,and comedic persona. It’s a literary self-portrait, painted with the same neurotic brushstrokes that define his filmography.
The Plot: A Mirror to Allen’s Mind
The novel centers around Baum, a Jewish intellectual living in New york City. Baum is consumed by a pervasive sense of futility, constantly dissecting his own thoughts and the absurdity of existence. He’s a stand-up comedian, a profession that allows allen to explore the mechanics of humor and the anxieties that fuel it. Baum’s relationships, particularly his attraction to younger women, are a recurring motif, mirroring patterns often seen in Allen’s films and personal life. The narrative isn’t driven by a conventional plot; rather, it unfolds as a series of introspective musings and comedic observations.
Autofiction Before It Was a Trend
“What’s with Baum?” predates the contemporary literary trend of autofiction, yet it embodies its core principles. The line between author and character is deliberately blurred. Baum’s anxieties about aging, his intellectual pretensions, and his intricate romantic life are all recognizable elements of Allen’s public persona. The novel isn’t attempting to create a believable fictional world; it’s attempting to dissect and display the inner workings of a specific, highly recognizable mind. This makes it less a novel in the traditional sense and more a prolonged, comedic self-analysis.
Themes and Influences
The novel draws heavily from the tradition of Jewish-American humor, particularly the work of Groucho Marx and Mel Brooks. Existentialist philosophy,particularly the writings of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre,also permeates the narrative. Baum’s constant questioning of meaning and purpose reflects the core tenets of existentialism. However, Allen filters these influences thru his own comedic lens, creating a unique blend of intellectualism and self-deprecating humor.
| Theme | Manifestation in “What’s with baum?” | Related Allen Films |
|---|---|---|
| Existentialism | ba |