Woody Allen on Woody Allen

In this collection of interviews with Bjorkman, a Swedish filmmaker, Allen emerges as a disciplined worker, far different from his famed persona as self-pitying and neurotic. The book will delight-and relieve-his fans. Allen discusses his craft and ouevre, with a chapter devoted to each film in chronological order from Take the Money and Run to Manhattan Murder Mystery. He recommends ``Socratic'' learning rather than film school and reveals that he once did many takes but now, with increased confidence, infrequently reshoots scenes. He defends his portrayals of blacks against criticism from African American groups that he casts them only as menial characters, explains that his temperament determines the length of his films (``Scorsese's body rhythm is longer'') and knocks American movie reviewers who ``gush tremendously over populist junk films.'' There's virtually nothing here about his recently turbulent personal life, though Allen comments that, ``one must be very lucky'' to achieve a deep, lasting relationship. Photos. (Jan.)