Have you noticed that it's a lot easier to find older men in the movies than older women — in front of the camera and behind it?
Take Woody Allen. As he glides toward 80 he's still in the same old mode of portraying relationship angst, unfolding in niiice European locations. Tirelessly, he has sat at the cinematic spinning wheel producing bolt after bolt of Allen-brand fabric as his leading ladies (and occasionally onetime partners) come and go. Mia Farrow made her exit a long time ago, while Scarlett Johansson moved on to "The Avengers." But there's always another gorgeous, talented young lass waiting in the wings.
Not all Allen films are created equal. His latest to reach Japan, 2010's London-set "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger," hails from the drawer containing "The Curse of the Jade Scorpion" and "Hollywood Ending" — so it's not one of his best. On the other hand, had a newbie director made it, the Sundance people (if not the Oscar judges) would be mightily tickled. It's not easy being Woody Allen: He's past the point where just being himself is cause for praise or celebration.