Review of Mighty Aphrodite (1995) by Joydeep M — 10 Jan 2012

MIGHTY INDEED!

This was my first encounter with a Woody Allen film, and I can see why serious film buffs love most of his work. Mighty Aphrodite is one the most weird(in a good way) comedies I have ever seen. The story written by Allen himself, is light-hearted, sweet, touching and so very funny (without even making an effort to be) with a somewhat serious subtext of unwanted pregnancy, adoption, prostitution & infidelity.

Mr. Woody Allen who also directs and stars in the film, plays a kindhearted and bewildered writer who is married to an art gallery curator(Helena Bonham) who is preoccupied with her career. The couple adopt a boy whom Woody soon discovers to be a little genius. When his marriage goes through a passionless and un-romantic phase, he becomes curious or rather obsessed with searching for the biological mother of their son which leads him to a prostitute and pornography star(Mira Sorvino). Woody goes on to make it his mission to make her life better. This makes for one of the most quirkily funny and endearing films I have ever come across.

Like I said, this is my first Woody Allen film and I am not familiar with his modus operandi, but a very well written story, unique direction(I especially loved the addition of the Greek chorus) and a somewhat adorably genius performance, leaves me wanting to see more of his work; there are not many who can pull of all three things at the same time and quite effortlessly. I have not seen much of Mira Sorvino's films either but I have to say she very well deserved her Oscar for this. Her performance as a naive hooker with a heart of gold is just too good. The connection between Woody's and Mira's characters is particularly endearing.

Mighty Aphrodite is not your typical Hollywood, laugh till you have tears comedy. It is sophistically funnier and at the same time touches your heart . A really underrated gem of a film.