*Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask (1972) Movie Review: A Playful Exploration of Sexuality
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask (1972), directed by Woody Allen, is a comedic film that explores various aspects of human sexuality through a series of humorous sketches. Based on the best-selling book of the same name by David Reuben, the film features an ensemble cast including Woody Allen, Lynn Redgrave, and John Carradine. Known for its playful and irreverent approach, the film offers a unique and entertaining examination of sex and relationships.
Plot Summary: A Series of Comic Vignettes
The film is structured as a series of vignettes, each addressing different questions and topics related to sex. The sketches are loosely connected, with Allen himself appearing in several of them, often in absurd and comedic situations. The vignettes include:
- “What is Sodomy?” – This segment humorously explores the concept of sodomy through a bizarre and exaggerated scenario.
- “What’s So Bad About Feeling Good?” – Featuring Lynn Redgrave as a woman who becomes the center of attention due to her newfound inability to stop feeling good.
- “Why Do Some Women Have Trouble Getting to Sleep?” – A comedic take on the difficulties women face in finding rest, with a surreal twist.
- “Are There Any Answers?” – This segment examines the search for answers in sexual relationships through a series of absurd situations.
The film’s humor ranges from slapstick and surreal to witty and satirical, providing a variety of comedic styles and approaches to the subject matter.
Performances: A Diverse and Talented Ensemble
Woody Allen stars in several of the sketches, bringing his trademark neurotic and self-deprecating humor to the film. Allen’s performances add a distinctive comedic flavor to the vignettes, showcasing his ability to blend humor with intellectual curiosity.
Lynn Redgrave delivers a memorable performance in her segment, providing a mix of charm and comedic timing that adds depth to the film’s exploration of human sexuality.
John Carradine, along with other supporting actors, contributes to the film’s diverse cast, adding variety and nuance to the different sketches.
Direction and Cinematography: Playful and Surreal
Director Woody Allen brings his unique comedic style to the film, creating a playful and irreverent exploration of sexuality. Allen’s direction emphasizes the absurdity and humor in each vignette, blending satire with surrealism to create a distinctive and entertaining experience.
The cinematography, handled by Ralf D. Bode, supports the film’s comedic tone with a straightforward and functional visual style. The film’s focus is on the humor and content of the sketches, rather than elaborate cinematography.
Themes and Execution: Humor, Sexuality, and Satire
*Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask explores themes of sexuality, relationships, and human curiosity through a comedic lens. The film uses humor and satire to address various aspects of sex, challenging societal norms and expectations.
The sketches offer a range of comedic approaches, from absurd scenarios to witty observations, providing a diverse and entertaining examination of the film’s subject matter. The film’s irreverent and playful tone allows it to address sensitive topics with a light-hearted and humorous perspective.
Reception and Legacy: A Cult Classic in Comedy
The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise for its humor and inventive approach to the subject matter. While some critics appreciated its playful exploration of sexuality, others found its sketches uneven and inconsistent.
Despite the mixed reviews, *Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask has gained a cult following over the years. Its blend of humor, satire, and exploration of human sexuality has made it a memorable and influential entry in Woody Allen’s filmography.
The film’s impact lies in its ability to address sexual topics with humor and creativity, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on human relationships and curiosity.
Where to Watch *Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask (1972) Online in America
For those interested in watching *Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask, the film is available on several platforms:
1. Amazon Prime Video
*Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, while purchasing the film in HD costs around $12.99.
2. Apple TV
Apple TV offers *Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask for rent at $3.99 or purchase for $12.99 in HD. It is available for streaming on various Apple devices.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV provides *Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask for rental at $3.99 or purchase at $12.99. The film is available in HD and can be streamed on various devices.
4. Vudu
*Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask is available for rental at $3.99 or purchase at $12.99 on Vudu. The film can be watched in HD and is compatible with multiple streaming devices.
5. Hulu
As of the time of writing, *Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask may not be available on Hulu. Availability may vary, so it’s advisable to check the platform for current options.
Conclusion: A Playful and Irreverent Exploration of Sexuality
*Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask (1972) is a playful and irreverent comedy that explores human sexuality through a series of humorous and surreal sketches. With Woody Allen’s distinctive direction and a diverse cast of talented actors, the film offers a unique and entertaining look at the complexities of sex and relationships.
Whether you enjoy Woody Allen’s comedic style or are interested in a humorous exploration of sexual topics, *Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask provides an engaging and memorable viewing experience.
