Movies

Intelligent, surprisingly enveloping movie is one that sneaked up on a lot of people in 1989, and has that effect on the unsuspecting today. A somewhat-frigid young woman becomes fascinated with her husband's friend, an emotionally confused man whose hobby is videotaping sexual conversations with women. The film takes about a quarter of an hour to kick in, yet once the character motivations become more clear it's quite an engrossing experience, a movie that unfolds rather like a novel. For those who stick with it, an intense drama peopled with some sordid characters who are nevertheless brilliantly portrayed by the cast. Andie MacDowell, as the wife who is so homespun she can't even swear, has rarely been so complex and affecting on film. **1/2 from ****

An intelligent and very well crafted movie that moves along, seemingly effortlessly. The main characters struggle to understand themselves and those around them and we similarly are drawn into the webs that are woven and torn apart. A fine achievement from Steven Soderbergh who must wonder if he will ever match the quality again. He is helped enormously with monumental performances particularly from James Spader and Andie MacDowel, although as I don't think I have seen either perform quite this well, their performances are likely down to dedicated work from the director. Laura San Giacomo also does a wicked turn and the naughty sister and helps to keep the film interesting in the early scenes when MacDowell's character seems set to sink the whole enterprise, or is that her psychiatrist? Perceptive, touching, intimate and revealing, this involving film is captivating and engaging throughout.

Ann Bishop-Mullany (Andie MacDowell) is a sexually repressed neurotic in therapy. Her husband John (Peter Gallagher) is having an affair with her sister Cynthia Patrice Bishop (Laura San Giacomo). His old friend Graham Dalton (James Spader) comes by for a visit. Graham likes to videotape his interviews of women talking about sex. He videotapes Cynthia leading to everyone re-examining their relationships.Director Steven Soderbergh delivers a talkative slow boil that bubbles up emotional chaos. The frank verbal sexuality is quite a jolt. James Spader brings his usual slightly creepy character. The four differing personalities energizes this movie. Soderbergh lingers which gives the movie a great voyeuristic feel at times. The film is mesmerizing and is never dull.