Posted by daitchen on Mon 11 Dec 06, 2:36 PM to daitchen's blog.
On the whole, I really enjoyed this brave film about accepting sexuality, and learning to celebrate it, in all its variety and, sometimes, complexity.
It is explicit, funny, and very compassionate.
The only quibble I've got concerns Severin/Jennifer, the Dominatrix. The other main characters have various problems - James' suicidal depression that leads him to try to set up his gay partner with a future replacement for him, Sofia the sex therapist's (!) inability to orgasm. It is clear that these difficulties are in no way intrinsic to their sexual orientation - don't want this to be a spoiler, but let's just say they work things out.
But what is the root of Severin's unhappiness and feeling of being unable to connect and form "real" relationships? It couldn't be that being into BDSM per se is supposed to be the problem, could it?
Well, I'm left with a small doubt about that, which is a pity. I'd definitely recommend going to see it and deciding for yourself, though.
| 16 Dec 06, 8:13 PM Carnelia UK(N), 6 yrs  |
Is this actually on general release here yet? I can't find it on anywhere near me (London). |
| 17 Dec 06, 8:41 PM daitchen UK(SE), 9 yrs |
We saw it at the Curzon in Soho. I'm not sure how long it's on for. "What alters the imagination alters everything" (Ted Hughes) |
| 19 Dec 06, 7:35 PM TailsLondon UK(SW), 7 yrs  |
I really enjoyed it. I saw it last weekend and although I accept the criticisms about the Domme character, I think it was quite clear that these were people and not representative characters. I don't think the gay characters were stereotypes, nor the sex therapist. The club organiser stole the show anyway. I think the name Severin was also a subtle hint that being on top might not be her thing as in Venus in Furs Severin is the submissive character. It was also showing in Clapham and Angel when I looked. |
| 30 Dec 06, 11:10 PM Saffire UK(L), 7 yrs |
It's on at FACT in Liverpool January 11-14. See www.fact.co.uk Tomorrow - the best labour-saving device of today! |
