Mighty Aphrodite Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A neurotic sportswriter stalks a porn star because his adopted kid is smart, leading to hijinks and a weird love quadrangle overseen by a singing Greek chorus.

🍿 Mighty Aphrodite: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Adoption and Curiosity

Lenny and Amanda, a New York couple, adopt a baby boy named Max. As Max grows, he demonstrates exceptional intelligence, leading Lenny to become obsessed with finding Max’s biological mother. He believes her brilliance must be the source of Max’s gifted mind.

The Discovery of Linda Ash

Lenny tracks down Max’s biological mother, Linda Ash. He is surprised to find that she is a prostitute and porn star. Despite her profession, Linda is portrayed as good-hearted, if somewhat dim-witted. Lenny is disappointed that she is not a genius but feels responsible for her future. He doesn’t tell her about his adopted son.

Lenny’s Attempts to Reform Linda

Driven by a sense of responsibility and perhaps a misguided desire to improve Max’s lineage, Lenny attempts to reform Linda. He encourages her to pursue a more respectable career, such as hairdressing. He also tries to set her up with a nice guy, hoping she will find happiness and stability. These efforts are laced with humor and unexpected challenges.

Marriage Troubles and Greek Chorus

Meanwhile, Lenny’s marriage to Amanda faces its own challenges. Amanda is focused on her career and possibly having an affair, leading to tension between them. Throughout the film, a Greek chorus comments on the events, offering insights and warnings, often ignored by Lenny. The chorus acts as a comedic and thematic device, linking the story to classical Greek tragedy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lenny Weinrib (Woody Allen): A New York sportswriter who becomes obsessed with finding the biological mother of his adopted son.
• Linda Ash (Mira Sorvino): The kind-hearted but ditzy prostitute and porn star who is the biological mother of Lenny’s adopted son.
• Amanda Sloan (Helena Bonham Carter): Lenny’s wife, an art gallery employee who becomes increasingly distant as her career ambitions grow.
• Greek Chorus Leader (F. Murray Abraham): The leader of the Greek Chorus who comments on and attempts to guide Lenny’s actions.
• Kevin (Michael Rapaport): A good-natured but dim-witted boxer whom Lenny tries to set up with Linda.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Linda Ash: “And so there I am on the first day, on the set, and there’s this guy fucking me from behind, right, and there’s these two huge guys dressed like cops in my mouth at the same time and I remember thinking to myself, ‘I like acting. I wanna study.’” – Linda recounts her entry into the adult film industry with a naive enthusiasm.
• Lenny: “You know, the heart, it’s a very, very resilient little muscle. It keeps pumping away, no matter what kind of punishment you dish out.” – Lenny reflects on the resilience of the human heart after dealing with relationship issues.
• Greek Chorus Leader: “Of all human weaknesses, obsession is the most dangerous, and the silliest!” – The chorus warns Lenny about the perils of his obsessive search and meddling.
• Linda Ash: “I even had a baby once that I gave up for adoption.” – Linda reveals a significant part of her past during a moment of vulnerability with Lenny.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,468,498
• Worldwide Gross: $6,468,498

💥 Mighty Aphrodite Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Mira Sorvino in this! Her portrayal of Linda Ash was hilarious and surprisingly touching. I found myself really rooting for her character. The Greek chorus was a bit odd at first, but it grew on me. The ending felt a little rushed, but overall, I enjoyed this quirky and entertaining movie. When Lenny is at the race track with Linda and she keeps betting on the eager beaver – that scene gets me every time!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy quirky and unconventional humor”
  • “Those interested in stories exploring fate, family, and identity”
  • “Fans of Mira Sorvino’s performance”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes including prostitution and infidelity”
  • “Some sexual content and language”
  • “Crude language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Woody Allen’s Mighty Aphrodite blends classic Greek theater with modern neuroses. Mira Sorvino shines as Linda Ash, a charmingly ditzy prostitute. While the Greek chorus device feels somewhat forced, Sorvino’s performance makes the film worthwhile.
• Variety: “Allen explores themes of fate and free will with mixed success. Mira Sorvino delivers an Oscar-winning performance. The pacing is uneven, but the humor is classic Woody Allen. The Greek chorus segments are a bold, if occasionally jarring, stylistic choice.

Audience Reactions

Mira Sorvino’s performance as Linda Ash is unforgettable.: Viewers generally agree that Mira Sorvino’s portrayal of the good-hearted prostitute steals the show, delivering both laughs and surprising depth.

The Greek chorus adds a unique and quirky element to the movie.: Many find the Greek chorus device to be a creative and amusing way to comment on the story, though some find it distracting.

Overall Consensus: Mighty Aphrodite is a quirky and uneven but ultimately enjoyable Woody Allen comedy, largely carried by Mira Sorvino’s Oscar-winning performance.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1996
2. Golden Globe (Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture)- 1996

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mira Sorvino auditioned for the role in New York and didn’t get it. When Woody Allen held auditions in London, she showed up in full costume and won the part.”
• “The Greek chorus, a unique element in the film, was used to explicitly connect the story to the structure and themes of Greek tragedy.”
• “Woody Allen uses elements of Greek mythology throughout, including literal appearances of Greek Gods, adding a layer of surreal comedy.”
• “Carlo Di Palma, the cinematographer, also shot “Blow-Up” by Michelangelo Antonioni.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mighty Aphrodite?

Mighty Aphrodite is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable availability. At present it is not available to stream on subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mighty Aphrodite, you might like these similar films:

• Bullets Over Broadway (1994): Both films blend Woody Allen’s signature neurotic humor with elements of theater and artistic aspirations.
• Annie Hall (1977): Shares Woody Allen’s signature wit, relationship analysis, and New York setting, exploring the complexities of modern love.
• Pretty Woman (1990): Deals with similar themes of class, social transformation, and the unexpected connection between individuals from very different backgrounds.
• Trading Places (1983): This movie has a similar theme to Aphrodite of people from opposite sides of the tracks being thrown together by unusual circumstances.
• Sweet Charity (1969): Also explores the life and dreams of a good-hearted but naive woman working as a dancer in New York City.

🛒 Mighty Aphrodite Related Products

• Woody Allen: A Documentary: A comprehensive two-part documentary exploring Woody Allen’s life and career, offering behind-the-scenes insights and interviews.
• Mira Sorvino Autographed Photo: A signed photograph of Mira Sorvino as Linda Ash in Mighty Aphrodite. Perfect for autographs collectors and movie fans.
• Woody Allen Collection Blu-ray: A Blu-ray collection featuring several Woody Allen classics, including Mighty Aphrodite. High-quality picture and sound.
• Broadway Musical Sheet Music: Sheet music of Broadway music, similar to those that Linda aspires in the movie. Relive the dream of Linda to be a musical star.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Neo Minore” – performed by Vasilis Tsitsanis
• “When You’re Smiling (The Whole World Smiles At You)” – performed by Louis Armstrong

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mira Sorvino winning Best Supporting Actress | 68th Oscars (1996)

Want to relive a truly awesome moment in cinema history? Check out Mira Sorvino’s heartfelt acceptance speech after winning the Oscar for Mighty Aphrodite – it’s seriously inspiring!

10 Things About Mighty Aphrodite (1995) – Mira Sorvino Trivia, Casting More

Ever wonder how much you *really* know about Mighty Aphrodite? This video drops some seriously cool trivia bombs that even the biggest Woody Allen fans might not know. I bet you’ll learn something new!

Ever Wonder What It’s Like To Work For Woody Allen? Mira Sorvino Knows! | Larry King Now | Ora.TV

Curious about what it’s *really* like to work with Woody Allen? Mira Sorvino spills the beans in this interview with Larry King, and her stories about making Mighty Aphrodite are surprisingly insightful!

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