In a surprising revelation, Hollywood filmmaker Woody Allen has described President Donald Trump as a talented actor and a delight to direct, despite their stark political differences.
According to Fox News, in a recent podcast, Allen shared his positive experience working with Trump on a movie set, while emphasizing his disagreement with nearly all of Trump's political views.
Allen, a self-identified Democrat, discussed this unexpected perspective during an appearance on Bill Maher’s "Club Random" podcast, which was posted on Monday. The filmmaker recalled directing Trump in a cameo role for his 1998 film "Celebrity," where Trump portrayed himself. In the scene, Trump converses with actress Judy Davis about a fictional plan to demolish St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and replace it with a towering, stunning structure.
Reflecting on the experience, Allen noted that Trump was courteous and professional throughout the filming process. He described Trump as someone who followed instructions well and consistently hit his mark during takes. Allen also highlighted Trump's natural showmanship, which added a unique charm to his performance.
"No, I’m not a Trumper," Allen clarified on the podcast, distancing himself from any political alignment with Trump. "I’m one of the few people who can say he directed Trump," he added with a sense of novelty. "I directed Trump in a movie… in ‘Celebrity.’ And he was, you know, he was a pleasure to work with and a very good actor," Allen elaborated. "He was very polite and hit his mark and did everything correctly and had a real flair for show business," Allen further remarked. This knack for performance, according to Allen, made Trump stand out in his brief role. "But he was very easy to work with," he reiterated, underscoring the smooth collaboration.
Despite the compliments, Allen was firm about his political stance, stating, "Well, you know, I’m a Democrat." "I voted for Kamala Harris," he confirmed, aligning himself with the Democratic candidate. He also admitted to opposing Trump on nearly every issue, estimating a disagreement on "95% of the things, maybe 99%."
Yet, Allen separated his personal views from his professional assessment, noting Trump's convincing on-screen presence. "As an actor, he was very good," Allen emphasized, acknowledging Trump's ability to captivate. "He was very convincing and very—you know, he had a charismatic quality as an actor, and I’m surprised he wanted to go into politics," he added.
Bill Maher, the podcast host and a known critic of Trump, also chimed in during the discussion. Maher, who met Trump at the White House earlier this year, shared a similar observation about the former president. "Yeah, he’s different in person, and when you say that, people who are purely emotional get very upset, even though it’s just the truth," Maher noted.
"We’re just saying the truth," Maher continued, defending their candid remarks about Trump’s demeanor. Maher even teased Allen about the potential backlash, saying, "How dare you?" He followed with a quip, "Oh, if you think you were canceled before," hinting at the controversy such praise might stir.
Trump’s cameo in "Celebrity" is not an isolated appearance in Hollywood projects. He has featured in several films, including well-known titles like "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" and "Zoolander." These roles often saw him playing himself, leveraging his public persona for comedic or dramatic effect.
Interestingly, Allen expressed a desire to work with Trump again, despite their ideological divide. "I wish I could direct him now," Allen mused during the podcast conversation. "If he would let me direct him now that he’s president, I think I could do wonders," he speculated with optimism.
The filmmaker’s comments offer a rare glimpse into a professional respect that transcends political boundaries. While Allen remains steadfast in his Democratic values, his admiration for Trump’s acting ability stands out. This dichotomy highlights the complexity of personal and professional opinions in the entertainment industry.
For many, Allen’s remarks might come as a surprise given the polarized views surrounding Trump. Yet, they also shed light on Trump’s lesser-discussed talents in the realm of performance. The podcast discussion serves as a reminder that even in divisive times, professional courtesy can bridge gaps.
Maher and Allen’s conversation underscores a distinction between Trump’s public political image and his personal interactions. Both figures, despite their criticisms, acknowledged a different side to Trump when encountered off the political stage. This nuanced take adds depth to the ongoing discourse about Trump’s multifaceted public presence.