Bananas Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A neurotic product tester goes to a banana republic, becomes president, gets arrested, and then Howard Cosell announces his wedding night, because Woody Allen.

🍿 Bananas: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Clumsy New Yorker

Fielding Mellish, a product tester in New York City, is a bit of a klutz. He’s unlucky in love and feels unfulfilled in his job. One day, he meets Nancy, a political activist, who is seeking signatures for a petition to support rebels in the fictional Latin American country of San Marcos. He becomes infatuated with her.

Heartbreak and a Spontaneous Trip

Nancy breaks up with Fielding, citing his lack of leadership qualities and political awareness. Dejected, Fielding impulsively decides to travel to San Marcos, the very place he and Nancy were supposed to visit together. He hopes to somehow win her back through some grand act of heroism.

Becoming a Rebel Leader

In San Marcos, Fielding gets caught up in the ongoing revolution against the dictatorial General Vargas. Through a series of absurd events, he becomes involved with the rebels, eventually rising to a leadership position. He trains with them and even participates in their outlandish schemes.

Trial and Tribulations

After the revolution, Fielding, now disguised, returns to the United States seeking aid for San Marcos. However, he is recognized and put on trial for subversive activities. The trial is a farcical spectacle, featuring outlandish witnesses and absurd legal proceedings.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Fielding Mellish (Woody Allen): A clumsy product tester from New York who becomes entangled in a Latin American revolution and unexpectedly becomes president.
• Nancy (Louise Lasser): A politically active woman who initially rejects Fielding for his lack of leadership but later falls for him when he becomes a revolutionary leader.
• General Emilio M. Vargas (Carlos Montalbán): The dictatorial general who seizes power in San Marcos and becomes Fielding’s initial adversary.
• Esposito (Jacobo Morales): The leader of the rebels in San Marcos who initially overthrows Vargas but becomes a power-mad dictator himself.
• Howard Cosell (Howard Cosell): The sportscaster who provides comedic commentary on both the political events and Fielding’s personal life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nancy: “You’re immature, Fielding. Well, emotionally, sexually, and intellectually.” – Nancy explains to Fielding why she is breaking up with him.
• Fielding Mellish: “Yeah, but what other ways?” – Fielding responds to Nancy’s accusation of his immaturity, highlighting his cluelessness.
• General Emilio M. Vargas: “Everyone will wear their underwear on the outside, so we can check.” – Dictator Vargas establishes a bizarre law reflecting the absurdity of his rule.
• Fielding Mellish: “I object, your honor! This trial is a travesty. It’s a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham.” – Fielding acts as his own lawyer in court, delivering a ludicrous objection.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $136,200

💥 Bananas Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw ‘Bananas’ when I was in college, and it totally blew my mind. I loved Woody Allen’s quirky humor, and the way he poked fun at everything from politics to relationships. The scene where he tries to buy the porn magazine is still one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. ‘Bananas’ is a bit chaotic, but that’s part of its charm. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a good laugh and doesn’t mind a little bit of absurdity. It’s one of those movies that just sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen’s early comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in political satire”
  • “Those who appreciate absurd humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Some mature humor”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Wildly uneven but frequently hilarious, ‘Bananas’ showcases Allen’s early talent for blending slapstick with social commentary. While some jokes fall flat, the film’s sheer energy and absurdity make it a memorable cinematic experience. The pacing is somewhat off, but at its best, ‘Bananas’ is pure comedic genius.
• The New York Times: “‘Bananas’ is a dizzying, delightful satire that holds up remarkably well. Allen’s performance is energetic and engaging, and the film’s political jabs remain surprisingly relevant. Though not as sophisticated as his later work, ‘Bananas’ proves that Allen was a comedic force to be reckoned with from the start.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “Woody Allen’s ‘Bananas’ is a mixed bag of comedic hits and misses, but its satirical edge and absurdist humor keep it afloat. While the narrative meanders at times, the film’s clever one-liners and memorable scenes make it a worthwhile watch. The ending feels rushed, but overall, ‘Bananas’ is a fun and thought-provoking comedy.

Audience Reactions

The absurdity of the courtroom scene is unmatched and still makes me laugh out loud.: Viewers love the fast-paced humor and the film’s willingness to satirize everything.

Howard Cosell’s commentary on the wedding night is a stroke of comedic genius!: The unexpected use of sports commentary to narrate absurd situations is a fan favorite.

Overall Consensus: ‘Bananas’ is considered a classic early Woody Allen film, praised for its absurdist humor and satirical take on politics and relationships. While it may not be as polished as his later work, its energy and originality make it a highly enjoyable watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sylvester Stallone appears uncredited as a subway thug. Allen initially sent Stallone back to the casting agency, thinking he wasn’t ‘tough-looking’ enough, but Stallone convinced him to change his mind.”
• “The film satirizes US involvement in Latin American politics and the rise of dictatorships, reflecting the political climate of the early 1970s.”
• “Howard Cosell’s appearances, covering a political assassination and a wedding night like sporting events, were groundbreaking and satirical for their time.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bananas?

Currently, ‘Bananas’ (1971) may be available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other VOD services. Availability can vary by region, so please check your local listings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bananas, you might like these similar films:

• Duck Soup (1933): Similar anarchic, satirical humor targeting political institutions and war.
• The Great Dictator (1940): Satirizes dictators and political extremism with comedic brilliance.
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): Shares a similar style of absurd and irreverent humor.
• In the Loop (2009): A modern political satire with sharp wit and farcical situations.

🛒 Bananas Related Products

• Woody Allen: A Documentary: A comprehensive look at Woody Allen’s life and career, perfect for fans wanting to delve deeper into his creative process. Includes interviews and rare footage.
• Woody Allen – The Ultimate Collection: A collector’s edition Blu-ray set featuring several of Woody Allen’s classic films, including ‘Bananas’. Enhanced picture and sound quality for the best viewing experience.
• Bananas Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster for ‘Bananas’. Perfect for decorating a home theater or office with a touch of classic comedy.
• Woody Allen T-Shirt: A classic Woody Allen t-shirt with quotes from his most iconic films including Bananas. A comfortable stylish way to show the world your love for Woody Allen’s movies.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bananas features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Quiero La Noche” – performed by The Yomo Toro Trio
• “Naughty Marietta” – performed by Victor Herbert

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Bandar Mama and Bananas | Bengali Rhymes for Children | Infobells

Hey, did you know there’s a super popular Bengali rhyme about a monkey and bananas? The animation is cute and the song is catchy – give it a listen if you’re curious about different kids’ songs!

Trying this trend at 37 weeks pregnant #shorts

Ever wonder what it’s like trying to keep up with the latest trends while heavily pregnant? This short video is hilarious and relatable. I can’t believe how many people have watched it!

Banana! 3 🤣🤣(4k memes) #shorts click the blue Join button to support my animations

Looking for a quick laugh? This super popular banana meme animation compilation is pure silly fun! The 4K quality makes it extra crispy and the video is sure to bring some funny moments.

Apples and Bananas Song | Learning Vowels with Gracie’s Corner | Nursery Rhymes + Kids Songs

Want to sneak in a little learning while entertaining the kids? Check out this catchy ‘Apples and Bananas’ song – it’s a fun way to learn vowels! This video has been played over 77 million times!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=9yt2Dki5aVk

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