With the impending doom of civilisation, or as we know it, the release of the first Fifty Shades of Grey film, it's worth looking back at some of the best sexy parts in cinema history. For all those who want to pretend like the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise is a sexual revolution this reviewer wishes to present two films that are infinitely more tantalising: Sex, Lies and Videotape and Secretary.
So which is the sexiest? Check out my thoughts:
Sex, Lies and Videotape
This film is sexy but it's not overtly gratuitous. It's the subtleties that are the film's strong points and the way it addresses conventional sexuality. The characters of Ann and Graham are big challenges of that - Ann has lost a lot of her interest in sex and Graham describes himself as being impotent yet will masturbate to women he's recorded on videotape talking about their sexual lives and fantasies. The development of these characters mostly through their growing relationship is fascinating and keeps the audience hooked.
The best scene is definitely Ann when she's videotaped. The way the tables shift and the evolution of her and Graham's characters are wonderfully shown in this one piece whilst the unevolved Peter can only watch after the fact. Unfortunately we couldn't track down a clip so here's the trailer:
Secretary
This film is sexy for many reasons. The BDSM element is ever present but you can't see everything that goes on but what is seen is done with precision and care. It's quite clear that some research was done into not only the world of BDSM but sadomasochism and dominant/submissive relationships. Whilst Edward is very much in control, he also facilitates Lee's needs and cares about her. He doesn't force her or lie to her or try to make her do anything she doesn't want to. He may be the dominant but she has the right to say no.
This film is most definitely worth watching on its sex appeal alone. It contains one of this reviewer's favourite film montage of all time where we see the dominant/submissive relationship between Edward and Lee take shape to the song "I'm Your Man" by the excellent Leonard Cohen:
Who Wins?
Or do you prefer Sex, Lies and Videotapes?
Let us know in the comments below!