Bananas ( 2009 )

Deconstructing Bananas (2009): A Look at Woody Allen's Absurdist Political Satire

Woody Allen's 1971 film Bananas is a cornerstone of his early, more overtly comedic work. Often overshadowed by his later, more introspective films, Bananas remains a crucial piece in understanding Allen's comedic evolution and his engagement with socio-political issues, even if filtered through a distinctly absurdist lens. This article will delve into the narrative, characters, themes, and comedic techniques employed in Bananas to offer a comprehensive analysis of its lasting impact and relevance.

Synopsis and Plot Structure

Bananas tells the story of Fielding Mellish (Woody Allen), a neurotic and decidedly unheroic product tester living in New York City. Fielding becomes infatuated with Nancy (Louise Lasser), a politically active woman who is intensely interested in Latin American revolutionary movements. Desperate to impress Nancy, Fielding travels to the fictional banana republic of San Marcos, a country gripped by a chaotic revolution. Initially intending to simply experience the political unrest firsthand, Fielding becomes entangled in the revolution, eventually being mistaken for the rebel leader, Vargas, and subsequently leading the overthrow of the corrupt dictator, General Emilio M. Vargas (Carlos Montalban). He then becomes president, only to be ousted himself and returned to America, where he is put on trial for subversive activities.

The film's plot unfolds as a series of increasingly outlandish episodes. While there is a central narrative thread involving Fielding's relationship with Nancy and his involvement in the San Marcos revolution, the movie frequently detours into surreal and often unrelated comedic sketches. This episodic structure contributes to the film's overall sense of anarchy and absurdity.

Character Analysis

The characters in Bananas are primarily caricatures, designed to amplify the film's comedic effect. While not deeply developed in a psychological sense, they serve important thematic purposes.

Fielding Mellish: Fielding is the quintessential Woody Allen protagonist: neurotic, insecure, and perpetually out of his depth. He is a product tester, highlighting the film's critique of consumerism and the absurdity of modern life. His motivations are primarily driven by his desire for Nancy's affection, making him an unlikely and ultimately reluctant revolutionary leader. His ineptitude and lack of genuine political conviction underscore the film's satirical tone.

Nancy: Nancy represents the archetypal politically engaged intellectual. She is deeply concerned with social justice and passionately supports revolutionary movements. However, her character also serves as a target of satire. Her dedication to abstract ideals contrasts with Fielding's more practical and self-serving motivations, highlighting the potential disconnect between intellectual fervor and real-world impact.

General Emilio M. Vargas: The dictator of San Marcos is a stereotypical Latin American despot, embodying corruption, cruelty, and incompetence. He is presented as a comically exaggerated figure, reinforcing the film's satirical portrayal of political instability in developing countries.

The supporting characters, such as the revolutionaries and the various figures Fielding encounters in San Marcos, are equally cartoonish, contributing to the film's overall sense of exaggerated reality.

Themes and Socio-Political Commentary

Despite its comedic nature, Bananas tackles several significant socio-political themes. The film critiques:

• Political Instability in Latin America: The portrayal of San Marcos and its revolution satirizes the political turmoil and frequent regime changes that plagued many Latin American countries during the 20th century. The film mocks both the corrupt dictatorships and the often-ineffective revolutionary movements.
• American Interventionism: The film implicitly criticizes American foreign policy, particularly its involvement in Latin American affairs. Fielding's accidental rise to power and subsequent downfall highlight the unpredictable and often counterproductive consequences of external intervention.
• Consumerism and Modern Life: Fielding's job as a product tester, combined with the film's depiction of bizarre and often useless inventions, satirizes the excesses of consumer culture and the absurdity of modern life. The orgasmatron scene, in particular, exemplifies this critique.
• The Nature of Revolution: Bananas questions the romanticized view of revolution, presenting it as a chaotic and often unpredictable process driven by flawed individuals with questionable motives. The film suggests that revolutions are not always the panacea for societal problems they are often portrayed to be.
• The Media and Public Perception: The film parodies the way news is consumed and how easily public opinion can be swayed. The trial scene at the end underscores the power of media manipulation and the superficiality of public discourse.

Comedic Techniques

Bananas is characterized by a wide range of comedic techniques, including:

• Slapstick: Physical comedy, such as pratfalls and exaggerated gestures, is a prominent feature of the film.
• Absurdism: The film embraces the absurd, presenting illogical and nonsensical situations as commonplace.
• Satire: The film uses humor to critique political and social institutions and behaviors.
• Parody: Bananas parodies various genres, including newsreels, courtroom dramas, and revolutionary films.
• Wordplay and Puns: Allen's trademark witty dialogue is filled with puns, double entendres, and clever wordplay.
• Self-Deprecating Humor: Fielding's character is a constant source of self-deprecating humor, as he repeatedly finds himself in embarrassing and absurd situations.
• Anachronism: The film juxtaposes historical and contemporary elements for comedic effect.

Key Scenes and Their Significance

Several scenes in Bananas stand out for their comedic brilliance and thematic resonance:

• The Product Testing Scenes: These scenes, particularly the testing of the Executiviser and the orgasmatron, satirize consumerism and the pursuit of instant gratification.
• The San Marcos Revolution: The chaotic and disorganized nature of the revolution, combined with Fielding's accidental leadership, parodies the romanticized image of revolutionary movements.
• The Trial Scene: The farcical trial, in which Fielding is accused of subversive activities, highlights the absurdity of the legal system and the power of media manipulation. The famously bizarre interrogation of a witness about underwear serves as a prime example of Allen's absurdist humor.
• The Honeymoon Scene: The honeymoon scene, where Fielding and Nancy engage in a series of increasingly bizarre sexual encounters, satirizes societal expectations surrounding sex and relationships.

Reception and Critical Analysis

Bananas was a commercial success upon its release and received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics praised its anarchic humor and satirical edge, while others found it to be too disjointed and lacking in substance. Over time, the film has gained recognition as a significant work in Allen's early career and as a valuable example of political satire in cinema.

Some critics have argued that the film's portrayal of Latin America is insensitive and relies on stereotypes. Others contend that the film's satirical intent justifies its use of exaggeration and caricature. Regardless of one's perspective, Bananas undoubtedly provokes thought and discussion about its themes and its representation of political and social issues.

Legacy and Influence

Bananas has influenced countless comedies and filmmakers. Its blend of slapstick, satire, and absurdism has become a hallmark of Allen's comedic style and has been emulated by many others. The film's willingness to tackle serious socio-political issues through humor has paved the way for more politically engaged comedies.

The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its comedic brilliance and its ability to resonate with audiences even decades after its release. Bananas remains a relevant and entertaining film that continues to provoke laughter and thought.

Tables

Table 1: Key Characters

Table 2: Major Themes

Table 3: Comedic Techniques

Conclusion

Bananas is more than just a collection of silly jokes; it is a complex and insightful satire that tackles important political and social issues. While its humor may be absurd and its portrayal of Latin America controversial, the film remains a significant work in Woody Allen's filmography and a testament to the power of comedy to challenge and provoke.