MOVIE REVIEW: sex, lies, and videotape
MOVIE REVIEW: sex, lies, and videotape
sex, lies, and videotape
(James Spader, Andie MacDowell)


Some may say that it is difficult to describe what things or actions can be constituted as erotic or arousing. In exploring these very questions, however, one is likely to better know what turns one on or off, just by virtue of discussing or thinking about them. Once one assumes the freedom to consider one's preferences, they are much easier to define and explore.

There is no nudity in sex, lies, and videotape, but it is filled with talk about conversations about relationships, intimacy, infidelity and, of course, pleasures. I kept thinking to myself that it would make a great stage play, because it dares to speak plainly about a taboo that, in theory, shouldn't be a taboo. The so-called unspeakables -- sexual and sensual experiences -- have caused countless relationships to end because couples can't bring themselves to address their own thoughts and feelings with each other. This movie isn't afraid to proclaim that the discomfort in expressing one's self can lead either to emotional damage or to personal release -- and the freedom to choose is unique to every person.

It's written and directed by Steven Soderbergh, who clearly decided in this directorial debut to make a film of specific purpose and intent. There are no side conversations here about "that local sports team", no unnecessary scenic shots or flashy effects, and no secondary characters other than a drunken barfly and a montonous therapist. The film rests solely on the heads of the four principal actors, and they all turn in the best work of their careers.

We see Ann (Andie MacDowell), an unsatisfied wife who confesses she is fairly ambiguous when it comes to sex. Her husband is John (Peter Gallagher), who has decided to seek his pleasure elsewhere; namely, with Ann's sister Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). John informs Ann that an old college buddy named Graham will be arriving into town (James Spader). From here, a series of developments are set into action, and it is fascinating to watch how open all the characters are with each other. Part of the allure for these people is to experience the close calls of being discovered and then get the chance to tell their encounter to another.

Spader plays Graham like a spider spinning a seductive web, as he waits for each of the characters to enter his lair. We correctly suspect he has an important secret to reveal, but not knowing what it is makes us wonder what he is up to whenever he isn't onscreen. MacDowell is equally compelling; her Ann seems a pushover at the start and reveals a lot of backbone by the film's conclusion. In a way, San Giacomo and Gallagher have the tougher parts as the participants in a torrid affair, but their parts become satisfactorily fleshed out (ahem) near the end as well.

This year, Soderbergh will be releasing a follow-up to sex, lies & videotape, entitled Full Frontal. I went through the Internet Movie Data Base entry, and none of the character names or actors are the same, so I can only assume it's a follow-up in terms of subject matter, and not a sequel per se. Somehow, I'm skeptical he'll recapture the delicate blend of casting and scripting he managed back in 1989, but no matter. This was one of those pictures that started the trend in the Nineties of eking out independent films for a good story, good dialogue, and good actors. sex, lies, and videotape is a hit in all three of those arenas.

03/11/02

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