Film director Woody Allen has shared his recollections of working with Donald Trump on the 1998 movie “Celebrity,” describing the former president as surprisingly skilled in front of the camera. During a recent podcast appearance, Allen noted that Trump demonstrated professional conduct and a natural aptitude for performance during his brief cameo.
Allen recalled that Trump arrived prepared, followed directions precisely, and displayed an instinctive understanding of entertainment production. The director suggested that Trump’s on-screen presence showed notable charisma, making him an unexpectedly capable performer.
In the film, Trump appeared in a scripted scene where he discussed hypothetical development plans with a reporter, delivering his lines with what Allen characterized as effective timing. The director expressed puzzlement that someone who seemed to enjoy leisure activities and entertainment would choose to enter the political arena, which he described as fraught with difficult decisions and public scrutiny.
While acknowledging their political differences, Allen maintained his professional assessment of Trump’s acting abilities. The director stated that he voted for the opposing candidate in the most recent presidential election but stood by his artistic evaluation of Trump’s performance from their collaboration decades earlier.
Allen also addressed recent controversy surrounding his participation in an international film festival, clarifying his position on geopolitical matters while maintaining his focus on cinematic art.