MIGHTY APHRODITE

Woody Allen is known for his stylistic approaches to the study of the neurotic human condition. MIGHTY APHRODITE opens with a traditional Greek chorus moving from the regimented repertoire of a Greek play to a candid, often abrasive rebuttal of the foibles of present day Manhattan lovers. Set in New York City, Allen plays Lenny, a neurotic sportswriter, who is married to Amanda. Amanda doesn’t want to take nine months away from her career in the art world to go through a pregnancy so they decide to adopt. Soon, Lenny becomes obsessed with the need to find out about his son’s natural mother and, after much difficulty, discovers that the mother of his son, Linda Ash, is a prostitute and porno actress. Meanwhile, Amanda and Lenny are being pulled slowly apart. As they wrestle with their problems, a Greek chorus leader attempts to give Lenny poignant wisdom.

MIGHTY APHRODITE has a happy ending. Riveted with laughter, Allen plays with the audience carrying them through his audacious antics between the Greek chorus and a Manhattan couple. It is a yuppy fantasy where adultery is swept under the carpet and everyone lives happily ever after. Allen writes about what he knows best: sex, warped relationships and shaky marriages. He is incredibly talented, but it is unfortunate that he doesn’t direct his talent toward other topics and perhaps even mature with age.