"The only folk I can judge are people like Woody Allen who I think is a genius, largely because I think he has beaten the system. He has his own company, and his films are all his own ideas. It's his direction, and so it comes out the way he imagined it"

In this quote by Nigel Kneale, he reflects on the idea of private genius and creative autonomy in the context of the film industry, using Woody Allen as a prime example. Kneale appreciates Allen for his capability to preserve imaginative control over his work, which he perceives as a rare and substantial achievement. The phrase "beaten the system" recommends that Kneale recognizes the obstacles imposed by the standard Hollywood system, where many filmmakers often have to compromise their creative vision due to commercial pressures or studio disturbance.

Kneale's appreciation for Allen stems from the latter's capability to run outside these restrictions. By having his own business, Allen acquires the flexibility to pursue tasks that line up closely with his artistic vision without having to conform to mainstream expectations. This self-reliance enables him to produce films that are initial and ingenious, remaining real to his ideas from idea to end product. Kneale highlights this as a form of genius, not simply in the sense of intellectual luster, but in the astuteness and perseverance needed to maintain artistic integrity in an extremely commercial industry.

The quote also underscores the significance of instructions in filmmaking. For Kneale, the reality that Allen's movies come out precisely as he imagined is a testimony to his skill and commitment as a director. This echoes the auteur theory in cinema, where the director is considered as the primary creative force behind a film, similar to an author is to a book. By managing the direction of his films, Allen guarantees that the final product is a direct reflection of his imaginative vision, including a layer of authenticity and individual expression that resonates with audiences.

In summary, Nigel Kneale's quote is a homage to the power of imaginative self-reliance and the respect it commands. It illustrates the worth of keeping one's artistic vision in an industry typically driven by external impacts, commemorating those like Woody Allen who manage to retain their voice and creativity.