In this series from Christian Pan, we hook back up with our favorite ex's--as in classic steamy movies worth a re-watch.
Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989)
Starring: James Spader, Andie MacDowell, Peter Gallagpher, Laura San Giacomo
Released: January 20, 1989 (USA)
Basic Plot: A web of deception and infidelity is quickly disrupted with the arrival of a stranger who creates a unique form of videotapes.
Housewife Ann (Andie MacDowell) is initially unaware that the reason why her husband John (Peter Gallagher) is frequently unavailable to take her calls at the law firm is because he is having an affair with her sister, Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). But when John invites his old college friend Graham (James Spader) to temporarily stay with them in Baton Rouge while he looks for an apartment, the lies and the deceit begin to unravel. While Ann struggles to convince herself into rationalizing why she and her husband no longer have sex, Graham strives to live by a credo of complete honesty, revealing that he has solved his sexual impotence by finding arousal through videotaping women talking about sex. Shortly after her sister Cynthia visits Graham to make one of these tapes, Ann discovers a clue that shows that she and John have been having an affair for months. She makes a tape with Graham, questions what he is trying to do with the tapes from this “personal project”, and then tells her husband she wants out of their marriage. In a rage, John violently confronts his old friend before viewing the videotape made between him and his wife.
Why Re-watch: It is difficult not to underestimate the influence Sex, Lies, and Videotape had in pioneering the American independent theater movement of the 1990s. Director Steven Soderbergh infamously wrote the script in eight days during a road-trip, and the film won the Audience Award for Best Film at the 1st annual US Film Festival (thereafter named Sundance) before going to Cannes in the south of France, where 26-year-old Soderbergh became the youngest director to win their Palme d´Or. Made for just over a million bucks, Sex, Lies, and Videotape has earned over $100 million worldwide since its theatrical release. Not bad for a debut.
Nearly 35 years later, the film remains fresh and vivid: it´s amazing what one can do with a small ensemble of talented actors, a strong script, clear direction and editing, and crisp photography. Spader´s gentle naturalism is eloquent for what he doesn't say: he can break your heart by a sustained look, or show a flash of anger within a simple closing of the eyes. MacDowell portrays her characters fragility and vulnerability effortlessly, and seemingly has the ability to blush on cue; we glimpse her inner thoughts by how she fondles the stem of a full wine glass, or precariously holds her iced tea. In contrast to these two´s fumbling attempts towards genuine connections with another human being are Gallagher and San Giacomo, who display an almost mercenary approach to sex and relationships in their supporting roles. Each of these onscreen characters are believable, and no matter how long they remain on screen, you want more of them.
The Crush Letter
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