Mighty Aphrodite

Mighty Aphrodite is a 1995 romantic comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen. The screenplay was inspired by the story of Pygmalion.

Allen co-stars with Mira Sorvino, who received the 1995 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.

Plot

The film opens on ancient Greek ruins where a chanting Greek chorus introduces and narrates the story of Lenny Weinrib (Woody Allen). Lenny is a sportswriter in Manhattan, married to ambitious curator Amanda (Helena Bonham Carter). The couple decide to adopt a baby, a boy they name Max. Lenny is awed by their son who, it becomes increasingly clear, is a gifted child.

Lenny becomes obsessed with learning the identity of Max's biological mother. After a long-winded search, Lenny finally locates the biological mother. He is disturbed to learn that she is a prostitute and part-time porn star, who uses several names but confesses her birth name is Leslie, and she likes "Linda" because it means beautiful in Spanish, so her current porn star name is Linda Ash (Mira Sorvino). Lenny makes an "appointment" to see her at her apartment. Linda is a bit of a ditz with a crude sense of humor and delusions of becoming a stage actress. Lenny does not have intercourse with her but instead urges her to get away from prostitution and start a wholesome life. Linda becomes angry, refunds Lenny's money, and forces him to leave. Lenny, however, is determined to befriend her and improve her life. He first manages to get Linda away from her violent pimp and then attempts to match-make Linda with a former boxer, Kevin (Michael Rapaport). They appear to be a well-suited couple until Kevin discovers Linda's background.