The Man Who Loved Women (1983)

A womanizing sculptor named David goes to seek help from a psychiatrist, Marianna, to cure him of his obsession with women.

Director:

Blake Edwards

Writers:

Blake Edwards (screenplay), Milton Wexler (screenplay)

Stars:

Burt Reynolds, Julie Andrews, Kim Basinger

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Burt Reynolds	...	David Fowler
Julie Andrews	...	Marianna
Kim Basinger	...	Louise Carr
Marilu Henner	...	Agnes Chapman
Cynthia Sikes	...	Courtney Wade
Jennifer Edwards	...	Nancy
Sela Ward	...	Janet Wainwright
Ellen Bauer	...	Svetlana
Denise Crosby	...	Enid
Tracy Vaccaro	...	Legs
Barry Corbin	...	Roy Carr
Ben Powers	...	Al
Shelly Manne	...	Shelly Manne
Don Menza	...	Don Menza
Jimmy Rowles	...	Jimmy Rowles

Storyline

Marianna, a Los Angeles based therapist, tells the story of one of her patients, middle aged David Fowler, a successful sculptor. He originally came to see her due to his sudden impotence in all aspects of his life, including in his art and in his sex life, the latter especially worrisome as he has always adored women in the holistic sense, they in general who adore him right back. David's sessions with Marianna have most often been comprised of he talking about the women in his life, both past and present, those in his early life who included his single mother who had her fair share of suitors and lovers, and a plethora of prostitutes, one to who he lost his virginity and the profession which he has always treated with respect beyond the issues of many women resorting to the business as a last resort to survive. He has moved from one girlfriend/lover to another in his fear that he would miss something special in the women he has not yet met. Those women include but are not limited to...

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Plot Keywords:

sexy legs | pretty legs | hot | sex scene | sad ending | 

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Taglines:

It's the perfect relationship between one man and half the human race.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [United States] Sony Pictures Entertainment

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 December 1983 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mis problemas con las mujeres

Filming Locations:

Houston,Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$19,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,347,032, 18 December 1983, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$10,964,231

Company Credits

Production Co:

Delphi Films, Columbia Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First of three consecutive pictures that director Blake Edwards made at the Columbia Pictures studio. The second was Micki + Maude (1984) whilst the third was A Fine Mess (1986).

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Goofs

Reflected on the back window of David's car, after he crashes it into a tree.

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Connections

Spoofed in The Woman Who Loved Men (1984)

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Soundtracks

Little Boys
(theme song)
Music by Henry Mancini
Lyrics by Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman
Performed by Helen Reddy

User Reviews

Sad and amusing study of a Casanova

The title of 1983's "The Man Who Loved Women" tells you everything you need to know: Burt Reynolds plays David Fowler, a man who sees the beauty in practically every woman and therefore can never settle down with one. As such, he ends up isolated and on the couch of a therapist, Marianna (Julie Andrews). The entire movie consists of Marianna trying to figure David out and help him while the latter relays several of his amorous connections in flashback. When the therapy is over will THEY start a relationship? Fowler's many women include Kim Basinger, Marilu Henner and Denise Crosby.

I encourage you to read Nsouthern51's review from April 25, 2001, on IMDb because it expertly interprets and evaluates the movie. While the film could be considered a romantic comedy it's also a tragic study of a Romeo and therefore there's a pall of melancholy despite the light tone and amusing elements, including black comedy. Speaking of which, while I don't think adultery's something to take lightly and therefore don't find it very amusing, it ties into Fowler's folly and blindness due to his weakness, women.

The good thing is that Fowler's not all bad or unlikable (Burt is his typical amiable self in an atypical role). He's not the conventional lothario who uses and abuses; he genuinely loves women and is fascinated by them. He loves them so much he can't bear to be with just one because that would mean he'd never know hundreds or thousands of others, but then he aches because he doesn't want to hurt the women he leaves.

The best part is Fowler's salvation of a new-to-the-trade prostitute whom he ends up hiring for his sculpting business. He nobly resists acting on his carnal instincts and therefore sacrifices for her good. The girl is played by a pre-Star Trek (TNG) Denise Crosby and she looks great.

At the end of the day the movie features Reynolds in an unusual role, which might turn off fans, and the strange mix of melancholy and amusement may turn-off others. It's not great, but it's good enough for what it is and therefore worthwhile. It's similar to Altman's "Dr. T and the Women" (2000) so if you don't like that movie you probably won't like this one.

The film runs 110 minutes and was shot in Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles, CA.

GRADE: B-