Woody Allen has long been one of America's great actors and directors. His directorship in Mighty Aphrodite makes unique combination of Allen's traditional subject matter and the outline of the Greek plays of yore. It includes many of the requisite elements of the Greek theater; a chorus, a tragic character and a "deux ex machina [which] arrives in a helicopter" (Ebert).
The general plot is based on the legend of Pygmalion. (Which interestingly was also the subject for Shaw's My Fair Lady.)
The film, however, is set in a very modern Manhattan, with very modern characters. This juxtaposition is risky, but well-executed. It becomes a modern interpretation of the historic plot. While it could have easily bastardized the mythology on which it was based, Mighty Aphrodite diverts enough from it as to not try to mirror it.
The general plot is based on the legend of Pygmalion. (Which interestingly was also the subject for Shaw's My Fair Lady.)
The film, however, is set in a very modern Manhattan, with very modern characters. This juxtaposition is risky, but well-executed. It becomes a modern interpretation of the historic plot. While it could have easily bastardized the mythology on which it was based, Mighty Aphrodite diverts enough from it as to not try to mirror it.
6 comments:
While I admired Allen in his early career, I have grown tired of his lack of originality of late. Most of his recent work in the past 20 years, are talk-offs on themes from other creators, just adding the Woody Allen 'twist' to the same story. I don't see a lot of originality in his work anymore.
"This juxtaposition is risky, but well-executed."
Agreed. I think there are several ways that this movie could have killed itself. But I guess that's what makes a good director. In this case he does enough of his own thing with the story to keep the viewer interested for the entire length of the film...
~PSH
I’m surprised in that such work is so reputable: to have the majority of your work be renditions of something already originally written. (That’s a general statement!) I think Woody Allen has a great way of putting his trade makes into his remakes but I would think I would have more respect for those who can take an original script and thus create a full masterpiece by their self.
That comment was from Jennifer
Agreed. I think there are several ways that this movie could have killed itself. But I guess that's what makes a good director.
Exactly, the director who doesn't take the risk of failing is filming something that isn't worth the reel that it is on. The difference is between films who are known for their directors, and directors who are overshadowed by their films. It takes a true director to take that artistic control.
-Colin
Although I have no idea who lotus07 is, I sort of agree with him. I think this movie is far too similar to some of Allen's other work (getting himself involved in the relationships) and the only thing that keeps it fresh is the Greek chorus and the fact that Allen is now much older than the leading lady (which I think I've already made my views on that very clear). Fortunetly this is enough to keep the movie interesting and funny. You guys are right that the Greek thing was a risky step, but I think it proved it saves the movie rather than killing it.
-Superbade
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