Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask

| 1972

Directed by: Woody Allen

Main Plot

"Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask," directed by Woody Allen, is a comedic anthology film composed of seven vignettes, each exploring different aspects of human sexuality. The film is loosely based on Dr. David Reuben's book of the same name, with each segment humorously addressing a question about sex. The vignettes range from a medieval tale about a court jester trying to seduce a queen, to a parody of Italian cinema focusing on a man's unusual attraction to a sheep. Another segment explores the concept of sexual perversion through a game show format, while one skit delves into the science fiction realm, depicting a giant breast terrorizing the countryside. The film also includes a segment set in a laboratory, where scientists attempt to understand the female orgasm, and a piece that humorously examines the inner workings of a man's body during a sexual encounter, portrayed as a mission control operation. Throughout the film, Allen uses satire and absurdity to challenge societal taboos and misconceptions about sex. The overarching theme is the exploration of human sexuality in a humorous and often exaggerated manner, highlighting the complexities and curiosities surrounding the topic.

Characters

  • Victor Shakapopulis, a neurotic doctor, navigates bizarre sexual scenarios, showcasing comedic misunderstandings and societal taboos.
  • Gene Wilder plays Dr. Ross, a psychiatrist who falls in love with a sheep, highlighting the absurdity and humor in the film's exploration of sexual topics.
  • Louise Lasser plays Gina, a woman whose husband struggles with a peculiar sexual dysfunction, leading to comedic and awkward situations as they seek solutions.

Ending Explained

In the final segment of the film, the narrative shifts to a comedic exploration of the human body during sexual arousal, depicted as a highly organized operation within a man's body. The scene is set inside the man's brain, portrayed as a control room where various characters represent different bodily functions and psychological aspects. The plot unfolds as the man prepares for a sexual encounter with a woman. The brain's control room is bustling with activity, coordinating the body's responses. The heart, lungs, and other organs are shown working in harmony to ensure the man's body is ready for the experience. Meanwhile, the sperm cells are depicted as eager soldiers, preparing for their mission. The humor escalates when the man experiences anxiety, causing chaos in the control room. This internal turmoil is mirrored by the external situation, as the man struggles with performance anxiety. The segment concludes with the man's body failing to perform as expected, leading to an anticlimactic end to the encounter. This humorous portrayal underscores the complexity and unpredictability of human sexuality, highlighting the disconnect between mental intentions and physical realities. The film closes with a lighthearted acknowledgment of the often awkward and unpredictable nature of sexual experiences.

Woody Allen Comedy Woody Allen Gene Wilder Louise Lasser