Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex*

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) is a 1972 comedy film directed by the esteemed Woody Allen. The movie, with an ensemble cast that includes Gene Wilder, Louise Lasser, and Allen himself, is based on the bestselling self-help book written by Dr. David Reuben, which shares the same title. This satirical production is uniquely structured as a series of vignettes, each addressing a different myth or question about sex.

The film's plot, or rather plots, promise an uproarious exploration of everything you have ever wondered about sex, presented in a format that maintains a light-hearted tone throughout. Each vignette is a comedic perspective on sexual misinformation or misunderstanding, showcasing the anxieties, curiosities, and misconceptions humans tend to nurture about sex. These stories are tied together not by a conventional narrative structure, but by their thematic alignment to break down the taboo around discussing sex.

Woody Allen, known for his distinctive creative style, weaves varied genres of slapstick comedy, science fiction, fantasy, and mixed-media narrative into this unconventional film. From medieval tales of courtly love to a 1970s style game show, the film presents a hilarious kaleidoscope of scenarios, each diving into a different facet of human sexuality. By extrapolating issues into the realm of the absurd and the ridiculous, Allen delivers laughter while cleverly striking down sexual stereotypes.

Allen himself stars in one of the most audacious segments, which is set entirely inside the human body. The vignette personifies various parts of the body during a sexual encounter, using wild special effects and ingenious set designs to create an environment akin to that of a spaceship in danger. This tongue-in-cheek approach serves as Allen's commentary on the intricacies of our own bodies.

The presence of Gene Wilder in the film is noteworthy. His character's vignette involves falling in love with an unlikely creature, underlining the obsession society has with the concept of illicit or forbidden love. His performance shines as he walks the tightrope of the ridiculous and the heartfelt, demonstrating his exemplary range as a comedic actor.

Louise Lasser, known for her work in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, brings a hilarious true-to-life edge to her portrayal of a frigid wife. She injects her character with enough humanity to make her relatable, providing a gentle reminder of how societal norms can mold or obstruct an individual's sexual persona.

Even though the movie is a comedy at its heart, it subtly weaves in critical commentary on societal views, norms, and taboos about sex. It trivializes the importance placed on sexual myths, promoting openness, humor, and scientific truth as the antidote. Indeed, the film’s tagline, “Relax… Now everything you’ve ever wanted to know about sex but were afraid to ask,” captured the cultural shift towards openness that was prevalent at the time.

While the film is indeed risqué, especially considering the time it was produced, it is also an embodiment of Woody Allen's inventive mind and flair for controversial subjects. Honoring its source material, the film incorporates the same audacity to tackle sensitive issues with mirth that made Dr. David Reuben's book a groundbreaking success.

It's also worth noting that the film reflects Allen's signature style—an amalgamation of wit, slapstick humor, pop culture references, and intellectual narratives, creating a piece that is as funny as it is thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) is a unique movie that is more than its comedy selling point. It is a bold foray into the realm of sex education, an audacious take on societal norms, and a testament to Woody Allen's unmatched storytelling prowess. Expect to laugh, think, and most importantly, question the many myths surrounding the topic of sex from this exceptionally executed film.