The Most Controversial Directors

Woody Allen

When the conversation of Hollywood's most influential and successful directors comes up, Woody Allen is a favorite choice. Allen is best known for influential films such as "Annie Hall," "Manhattan," and "Bullets Over Broadway," just to name a few.

However, what will more than likely follow is a longer and, frankly, more unpleasant conversation about his life and actions. Woody Allen has had several wives during his time in the public eye, most notably actress Mia Farrow. Farrow had starred in 13 of Allen's films over the course of a ten-year period. During their affiliation with each other, two major events occurred, the first being Farrow adopting her daughter Dylan Farrow. Additionally, Allen would, controversially, begin a relationship with Farrow's other adopted child, Soon-Yi Previn. This already was an ethically questionable move, but what was to follow would only become more uncomfortable.

In 1992, Allen was accused of inappropriate actions in regards to Dylan Farrow, only eight months after his relationship with Previn was made public. These are allegations that Allen has denied and even sued Farrow over, attempting to gain custody of Dylan and Farrow's other children. To this day, the situation between Allen and Farrow has been the subject of much hearsay, rampant speculation, and in-depth coverage, the most notable being the HBO Documentary series "Allen v. Farrow," which is the most comprehensive piece of media regarding the allegations to date.