Woody Allen: Illusion and Reality

Cecelia sits alone in the middle of the nearly empty theater. She is wearing her old brown coat and matching hat. She holds a small bag of popcorn which she pecks at in a distracted way. But in her face there is absolute attention. Her eyes are pinned to the screen, as if she were witnessing a continuous miracle. She has a steady, remarkable smile that registers her surprise and delight. Cecelia is enthralled.

She does not usually go to matinees, but today is different. Cecelia has bee...