Portnoy's Complaint

A classic novel does not always a classic movie make as can be seen in this filmization of Phillip Roth's controversial, profane, and at times hilarious best-seller. Set in an analysts' office, the story reflects the stream-of-consciousness whining and self-flagellation of Alexander Portnoy, a neurotic, self-absorbed Jewish man with some serious sexual hang-ups, as he tries to sort through his childhood agonies, his somewhat bizarre relationship with his overbearing mother and milquetoast father, Judaism vs. Christianity and his unhealthy relationships with his own body and gentile women, particularly the girl he calls "The Monkey."