Sex, Lies And Videotape on DVD (1989)

An impressively adult drama

Philip Concannon from London , 09/05/2004

Fifteen years after it won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, Steven Soderbergh's 'Sex, Lies and Videotape' still stands as an intelligent analysis of sexual politics.

Ann(Andie MacDowell) is a frigid housewife who thinks her husband John(Peter Gallagher) has settled for their sexless relationship. In fact John is having an affair with Ann's exotic sister Cynthia(Laura San Giacomo). Things come to a head when John's college friend Graham(James Spader) comes to town and his unusual fetish has consequences for every character.

Soderbergh's classy film is a real slow-burner. He steers clear of any explicit sex and instead lets his script and excellent cast inject the eroticism into the drama. In fact Soderbergh makes the many conversations in the film more intimate, more erotic than any sexual encounter.

James Spader is the standout in a fine cast. His character is the catalyst for everything that takes place in the film and the fact that little is known about him adds to his enigmatic quality. In fact the only time Soderbergh's script falters is when he tries to explain a little of Graham's past and motives. It's his ambiguity that makes him the most fascinating character on view and this element of the screenplay feels false. However, for the most part Soderbergh hits the mark with this film and it makes for compelling viewing.

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Erotic Thriller

arun from liverpool , 04/02/2005

The narrative is excellent and the films strength lies in its dialogues and characterisation. Andie McDowell is obsessive and is in therapy. James spader has a shady past and talks about being in therapy. This is a dark film about deranged people.

Infidelity and the anguish experienced by the deceived ones and how they come into terms with it.

I agree with the review that if James Spaders character would have been explained it would have been more interesting.

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Ever thought you had emotional baggage to contend with?

McClennan from St Helens , 07/06/2005

I've not seen this since I was considerably younger when I didn't quite understand what the film was about. I'm probably as older, if not older than all the characters in the film now Shifting between the story of four people, husband, wife, sister-in-law and husband's old friend, the film skirts around sexual psychology, honesty, love and trust in a way that I found immensely watchable. Like Before Sunset the film discusses, albeit not in as much depth, why the characters struggle to function in their relationships, what they want, what they can and can't communicate and it was captivating at times discovering what was going in deeper down in their minds. I can't really think of a word to describe how involving this film was and it was a shame that the end just lacked the depth that the film had carried all the way through to that point. Excellent film and one that I'll probably go back to again.

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Can't believe I'd never seen it

Motta80 from West Sussex , 26/10/2004

Quite simply one of the best films I've seen in recent months.

I'd always heard the good word and always meant to watch it and now I'm appalled I went so long. The acting is all top quality, the script is biting and sharp.

A truly great character piece. James Spader and Andie MacDowell have never been better and the scene involving Peter Gallagher, Laura San Giacomo and a plant is brilliantly played and staged.

A must see, don't delay like I did.

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Ever thought you had emotional baggage to contend with?

McClennan from St Helens , 07/06/2005

I've not seen this since I was considerably younger when I didn't quite understand what the film was about. I'm probably as older, if not older than all the characters in the film now Shifting between the story of four people, husband, wife, sister-in-law and husband's old friend, the film skirts around sexual psychology, honesty, love and trust in a way that I found immensely watchable. Like Before Sunset the film discusses, albeit not in as much depth, why the characters struggle to function in their relationships, what they want, what they can and can't communicate and it was captivating at times discovering what was going in deeper down in their minds. I can't really think of a word to describe how involving this film was and it was a shame that the end just lacked the depth that the film had carried all the way through to that point. Excellent film and one that I'll probably go back to again.

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Erotic Thriller

arun from liverpool , 04/02/2005

The narrative is excellent and the films strength lies in its dialogues and characterisation. Andie McDowell is obsessive and is in therapy. James spader has a shady past and talks about being in therapy. This is a dark film about deranged people.

Infidelity and the anguish experienced by the deceived ones and how they come into terms with it.

I agree with the review that if James Spaders character would have been explained it would have been more interesting.

Read all highest rated reviews