Review of sex, lies, and videotape (1989) by Daren F — 22 Nov 2008

I cannot think of a film that has ever made my chest so tight, a film that is as erotic as this film, or a film that is as telling of human interaction. [i]sex, lies, and videotape[/i] is famous for reviving independent film making, the story is simply put forward but it is a film of tremendous risk, one false step by anyone and this film falls into overwrought or "disgusting" territory or if they do not step forward enough it falls into the category of bland.

Soderbergh and Spader walk the tightrope with ease and grace and they create a film that is consistently fascinating, I could not stop looking, every single shot it perfectly played. It should be said that the ending is a little too neat but really, who cares, the film is so delicately slow and tense and sexual that even a less than perfect ending is fine.

The way the film handles this touchy subject is impressive and makes the message all the more meaningful, we as a people put up barriers to protect ourselves and all it takes is for one person to simply arrive for it all to come shattering down.

Oh, and a special note that James Spader is hot, I love this man, his performance here and in [i]Secretary[/i] and on [i]Boston Legal[/i] are brilliant and engrossing. And the rest of the cast is truly spectacular, the people involved with this film work at a level of grace and brilliance that really make it something to behold.