Review of Girlfriend Experience (2008) by Jack M — 01 Aug 2011

The Girlfriend Experience feels like an experiment in film-making. This movie has so many flaws that are hidden by beautiful cinematography and the casting choice of Sasha Grey. Sasha Grey is recognized throughout the world for being a pornstar.

Nevertheless, she has decided to make the transition to film that leave many people scratching their heads for the reasons. I will never understand why she would stop doing porn so she can portray a upscale high-priced escort.

A high-priced escort is basically a hooker. Grey does well in the role only because I really do not know if she is acting or not. She stares blankly at the screen the entire time showing no emotion in a role that does not give her much to do.

I feel this movie would have served better as a documentary. Maybe then, more emotions and struggles could have been brought to the table for the actor to share. Grey is not completely responsible for her stale performance.

Steven Soderbergh who has directed countless high profile stars gives Grey nothing to do. The things that were entertaining had to be the rich clients. The clients are shown to be egocentric, materialistic, and politically educated only for self gain.

It is clear the message is how pathetic these men are for being only concerned about money and looks. Their vanity and greed corrupts them to the point where some of them cheat on their wives. These men actually pay another woman to have sex with them when they have wives at home.

This movie shows the corruption that is within certain parts of society. The problem lies within its overall delivery which is lifeless. At 77 minutes, it crawls towards those minutes feeling like two and half hours worth of cinema.

A good concept with some important themes, The Girlfriend Experience still falls flat.