A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy (1982) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy (1982) is a romantic comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen. The film is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set in the early 20th century and exploring themes of love, infidelity, and the nature of relationships. Known for its witty dialogue and charming performances, the film offers a whimsical take on romantic entanglements.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, performances, themes, and where to watch A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Romantic and Comedic Escapade
Set in the early 20th century, A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy revolves around a weekend retreat at a country estate, where several couples gather for what begins as a seemingly innocent gathering but quickly becomes a web of romantic entanglements and comedic misunderstandings.
The central characters include:
- Dr. Maxwell Jordan (Woody Allen): A neurotic and self-absorbed physician who is hosting the weekend retreat with his wife, Dora.
- Dora Jordan (Mia Farrow): Maxwell’s wife, who is well-meaning but caught in the crossfire of her husband’s romantic escapades.
- Ian (Tony Roberts): Maxwell’s friend, who is charming and flirtatious, adding to the romantic chaos.
- Sheila (Julie Hagerty): Ian’s love interest, who becomes entangled in the weekend’s romantic shenanigans.
As the weekend progresses, the characters’ interactions lead to a series of comedic situations, misunderstandings, and romantic escapades. The film combines elements of screwball comedy with Woody Allen’s signature humor, exploring the nature of love and relationships with a playful and ironic touch.
Performances: Allen, Farrow, and Supporting Cast
The film features strong performances from its cast, each contributing to the film’s comedic and romantic tone:
- Woody Allen: As Dr. Maxwell Jordan, Allen delivers his trademark neurotic humor and wit. His portrayal of the character adds a layer of self-deprecating comedy and charm to the film.
- Mia Farrow: Farrow plays Dora Jordan, offering a performance that balances warmth and frustration. Her role provides a counterpoint to Allen’s character, adding depth to the romantic dynamics.
- Tony Roberts: Roberts as Ian brings charisma and comedic timing to the film. His interactions with other characters contribute to the film’s humorous and chaotic atmosphere.
- Julie Hagerty: Hagerty portrays Sheila with a mix of innocence and humor, adding to the film’s comedic ensemble and romantic entanglements.
The chemistry between the actors enhances the film’s charm and comedic effectiveness.
Themes: Love, Infidelity, and Romantic Chaos
A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy explores several key themes:
- Love and Infidelity: The film examines various aspects of love and infidelity, highlighting the complexities and contradictions inherent in romantic relationships. The characters’ actions and interactions provide a comedic take on these themes.
- Romantic Entanglements: The film’s plot revolves around a series of romantic entanglements and misunderstandings, reflecting the whimsical and chaotic nature of love and attraction.
- Self-Reflection and Identity: The characters’ interactions and self-perceptions are central to the film, with each character reflecting on their desires, insecurities, and relationships.
These themes are explored with Woody Allen’s characteristic humor and insight, offering a playful and thoughtful examination of romantic dynamics.
Direction and Cinematography: Whimsical and Playful
Woody Allen’s direction and the film’s cinematography contribute to its whimsical and engaging presentation:
- Direction: Allen’s direction ensures a blend of romantic comedy and screwball elements, maintaining a lighthearted and entertaining tone. His approach allows the film’s humor and character interactions to shine.
- Cinematography: The cinematography by Gordon Willis captures the film’s period setting and romantic ambiance. The visual style complements the film’s playful and whimsical nature.
The combination of direction and cinematography creates a visually appealing and entertaining film.
Where to Watch A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy Online
If you’re interested in watching A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy, here are the available streaming and rental options in the U.S.:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: The film is available to stream for Amazon Prime subscribers.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Video: A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy can be rented or purchased on Amazon Video. Rental prices start at $3.99, with purchase options available for $12.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play. Rental prices start at $3.99, with purchases available for $12.99.
- Apple iTunes: A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy can be rented at $3.99 or purchased at $12.99 on iTunes.
- Vudu: The film is available for rent or purchase on Vudu, with similar pricing to other platforms.
Why You Should Watch A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy (1982)
A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy offers a charming and humorous take on romantic relationships, blending Woody Allen’s signature wit with a playful examination of love and infidelity. With strong performances from Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, and a talented supporting cast, the film provides an engaging and entertaining experience.
If you enjoy romantic comedies with a blend of screwball humor and thoughtful insights into relationships, A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy is a film worth watching. Its whimsical and playful approach to romance makes it a delightful and memorable experience.
Final Thoughts
A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy combines humor, romance, and strong performances to create an entertaining film. Its exploration of themes like love, infidelity, and romantic chaos, along with effective direction and cinematography, ensures a fun and engaging viewing experience.
Ready for a whimsical and comedic take on romance? Stream A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy on Amazon Prime Video or explore rental and purchase options to experience this charming Woody Allen film.
