Sex, Lies & Videotape
SEX, LIES & VIDEOTAPE (18)
D: Steven Soderbergh
Virgin/Outlaw (Robert Newmyer & John
Hardy)
US 1989
100 mins
Drama
W: Steven Soderbergh
DP: Walt Lloyd
Ed: Steven Soderbergh
Mus: Cliff Martinez
James Spader (Graham Dalton), Andie MacDowell
(Ann Bishop Mullany), Peter Gallagher (John Mullany), Laura San Giacomo(Cynthia Patrice Bishop)
Steven Soderbergh's debut is still amongst his best films,
proving his skills as both an all-round filmmaker as he takes on the duties as screenwriter, director and film editor.
James Spader delivers one of his best performances,
portraying an especially difficult character who may have seemed sordid and perverse considering the subject matter if it were entrusted to a different actor.
Spader plays a peculiar man who likes to interview women
about their sexual history for his own pleasure and education. He visits his old college friend whose marriage is in turmoil and causes an even further rift in the already untrustworthy
relationship.
Some might argue that this conversation piece would work
better as a stage play, but that didn't bother the jury at Cannes Film Festival, who bestowed it with the Palme d'Or for Best Film.
It's a lot better than it sounds.
8/10
