Sex, Lies, and Videotape

As Ann (Andie MacDowell) talks to her therapist about her lack of interest in sex during the opening moments of Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies, and Videotape, her husband John (Peter Gallagher) has a rendezvous with her sister Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). This scene captures what the film wants to portray: how sex affects people differently.

Enter Graham (James Spader), John's friend. He reveals to Ann that he's impotent, which intrigues her. Here is someone she barely knows and he tells her something deeply personal. Is it possible that he's somewhat attracted to her?

Graham also reveals to Ann that he's working on a video project featuring women talking about their intimate secrets. Is there a reason for this project? Is it so Graham could get off on them or is it for some other personal reason? In a way, it makes Graham all the more curious to watch and try to understand.

The way Spader plays Graham is truly something. He shows Graham as merely a quiet person when in the company of other people but when he's alone, Graham is a deeply troubled man. The look of sadness on his face as he watches Cynthia's tape is striking. It's as if he wants to be attracted to her and other women, but he can't physically show it.

Soderbergh provides a very mature examination of a mature subject. All of the actors, especially Spader, play their parts very well. Sex, Lies, and Videotape is dubbed the driving force behind independent film's popularity and honestly, I can see why.

My Rating: *****