Review of 9 Songs (2004) by Ihra L — 16 Dec 2008

There's a type of porn derived from sex-positive feminism. That is, feminist porn. I know this might be a slap in the face to Michael Winterbottom; but that's how I think of 9 Songs: as a soulful feature-length feminist porno.

And I hope that isn't a slap in the face because I think its a good thing. The cutesy loose dialogue between the characters and the music intervals give the movie a soul. That soul carries into some of the hottest sex scenes you'll ever see. Then it finishes slightly sad; but still satisfying. There's something about that though, that stays with you. Maybe its the feeling that two people you know, down to their casual selves, are having sex and you're watching. No objectification, no degradation. Just real, human, emotion-filled, erotic sex. I don't mean to sound creepy, but there's something beautiful and artistic accomplished in that which I can't put my finger on. The calculus behind it would be the extent of their relationship, signified by their casual conversation and music, added to the real sex. I guess I'm not movie-savvy enough to figure it out. So see it yourself.

But don't watch it with two friends of the same sex. I did that, and it was awkward.