sex lies and videotape 1989 by shelby atia

sex, lies, and videotape (1989) by: shelby, atia, and mercedes

Independent? Yes. � themes of sexual repression, impotence (sex), denial, (lies), and therapy (videotape) • taboo issues • context of the ‘ 80 s era � circumstance of production • budget constraints � auto-biographical? sex, lies, and videotape is an independent film because of the contentious themes it undertakes. In keeping with the spirit of independent films, Soderbergh made this one with the intention of critiquing society based on his own psychological experience.

sex, paranoia, impotence, and repression

AIDS Panic in Late 1980 s � greatest health-related scare of our time � UK government launched ‘biggest public health campaign’ � ominous advertisements on TV, cinemas, press, and leaflets

Men vs. Women’s View on Sex � “Men learn to love the women they are attracted to, and women become more and more attracted to the person they love” – Graham quoting unknown � Woman: sex as an act of love • Ann did not want John to touch her • “Woman don’t want it (sex) for the same reason men think they do” – Ann � Men: competitively and to feel good • “As soon as you got a ring on your finger, you get the most spectacular attention from the opposite gender” -John • “She’s good in bed and can keep a secret, that’s all I can say about her” - John • John’s relationship with Cynthia based on sex

Ann vs. Cynthia �Ann: sexually repressed conservative “I wouldn’t miss it (sex)” -Ann “I think sex is overrated… I think people place far too much importance on it” – Ann • “I tried once but it just seems so stupid… a dumb thing to do” – Ann • “You just ask them questions? ” – Ann • “I couldn’t even do it in front of John” - Ann • •

Ann vs. Cynthia: • comfortable with her sexual side • promiscuous • “I think you’re afraid he’ll (Graham) be undeniably drawn to me” – Cynthia • “I wanted him to see me” – Cynthia • “It bothers me when I think about men because I know that’s the way she (Cynthia) thinks” - Ann

Graham �“I’m impotent” �“Does that bother you? ” • “No” �“Does it make you feel subconscious? ” • “Not usually. . Not the same way you (Ann) are”

What’s up with the plant. . . � represents fertility • no plants at Graham’s house (impotence) � exchange between John and Cynthia before they have sex (gift)

John goes to Cynthia’s house and viewer is introduced to their relationship

Cynthia goes over to John/Ann’s home and has sex at their house for the first time “Is it for me? ” - Cynthia

lies, denial

Types of Lying �Outright/hiding • John • Cynthia �Denial • Ann the truth

Ann Lying to Herself “I think it's gonna rain. ” “ It is raining. ” “Perhaps he senses your hesitance at being touched. “ “But that's the weird thing, because he started not touching me before I started feelin' like that. “

Graham �“Mr �“I Apostle of Truth!” –John was a pathological liar. Or I am, I should say. ” -Graham

Lies in opposition to truth �medium of videotape • commentary on film industry as a whole �larger implications: • society can’t address sexual anxieties and issues �would that make us all liars?

and, videotape therapy

Videotape via Therapy �Therapy was a private matter, thus admitting your participation in therapy uncommon. �Videotape works as a therapy because it captures the truth of the moment �Ann and Graham are the main protagonists with overwhelming issues

Ann �Beginning With Therapy • Unsatisfied with marriage and intimate life • Only one open with personal problems � Ann’s Videotape • Ann begins discussing sexual experiences. • Role reversal, in the beginning Ann is the patient and now Graham is.

Graham � Issue to resolve: • Self-imposed impotence � Videotape • Videotapes as a ‘sex therapy’ • Ann questions his rationale � Closure • “I fucked Elizabeth. Before you broke up. Before you were havin' trouble, even. She's no saint. ” - John

�Females are ultimately the powerful ones and able to take control of the situation • Cynthia breaks it off with John • Ann divorces John �Soderbergh mistrusts therapy • Therapists are paid friends �He knows nothing about them �“You shouldn’t take advise from someone who doesn’t know you intimately” - Graham

Similarities to Soderbergh �Different parts of his personality in each of the 4 characters �Period of his life where he drank too much, philandered, fabricated, blew a major relationship �Truth, lies, and sex anecdotes from his own experiences

Film Distribution by Miramax � Making a film without thinking about monetary gain • “I’m process-driven not result-driven” -Soderbergh � Focus on youth audience (youth/20’s) – advertisement • Sex, controversy, violence as sales strategies Perren • Images convey raciness, something more adult – Perren

Miramax trailer