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Speaking Of Sex
RRP: £12.49
Our Price: £7.86 (subject to change)
Sex, Lies, Videotape, Rubber Ducks, Impotence and Majestic Performances
Review date: 2006-08-07 Rating: 10 out of 10
I am a polite Scottish rose who would never suggest that Americans were obsessed with sex, therapy, guns, money, cars and suing the heck out of their fellow Americans. However, this romantic comedy/farce/satire gleefully reinforces all those stereotypes. I'm sure the fact it was filmed in Canada is a mere coincidence.
Nor would I suggest that Americans have very odd laws. "Speaking of Sex", however, mentions the strange but true fact that oral sex is illegal in Idaho. There are also some funny acronyms, of which my favourite is ABD ("all but degree").
I am delighted that James Spader accepted the role of Roger.
If the words "Speaking of Sex" sum up anyone's career, it is his. Since "sex, lies and videotape" (1989), Spader has starred in many films with those three themes. Characters he has played have had sex with varied partners, including a hooker, virgins (human and alien), a psychotic killer and a man. They have had sex in locations including outer space, a bath, cars and possibly a table top. And just don't get me started on carrots, saddles or werewolves ...
We at CHERISH (Campaign to Holistically EnRIch our lives with Spader's Help) love these scenes. We also believe that LITBM: Laughter Is The Best Medicine. We are delighted that "Speaking of Sex" allows Spader to poke fun at his image.
This film is so good that I, Radiant Rose ABD, would be begging you to watch it even if Spader had declined the opportunity to feign sex in a lift. His presence is merely the icing on the cake, or the cherries in the cocktails, to borrow an image from the film.
The pace never flags. I love the way the plot unravels. I adore the quirky details, such as Melinda being distracted by a helicopter even during very passionate sex. I laughed out loud at the hilarious one-liners, such as the claim that Roger was a "sexual herbivore" before the scheming Emily got her hands on him.
All the performances are flawless. Melora Walters, as Melinda, is delightful. After this, I would be most interested in seeing her other work as an actress and artist. Lara Flynn Boyle (Emily) is a passionate bundle of energy. I particularly liked it when Emily tries to crawl across a table to reach Roger and has to be restrained.
Look out for Catherine O'Hara, Bill Murray and four cute rubber ducks.
Jay Mohr, as Melinda's impotent husband Danny, is excellent. Danny came second in the CHERISH poll of FCOIWWML2HC: Fictional Cases of Impotence We Would Most Like to Help Cure. (Top of the list for all members, of course, is Spader's character in "sex, lies and videotape".)
True, there are some teeny details that might have made "Speaking of Sex" even better: the sugar strands on the icing on the cake, as it were. In a perfect world, we would have seen Jennifer Klink (the excellent Megan Mullalley) meet a new partner. Why should she not find a nice man with whom to drink her Idaho Chardonnay? Everyone else gets a happy ending. Even Sleazy Larry ABD (Paul Schulze) finds his ideal business opportunity! I also would like to have known if the naughty typist gives birth to a boy, a girl or maybe twins!
"Speaking of Sex", although a comedy, mentions one serious issue that is notably absent from most other films with a sexual content. Contraception rears its head, and more than once! There is even the line "I love birth control!" The script specifically refers to spermicide, Melinda's diaphragm and the use of coitus interruptus. Look out for Roger's reaction when Melinda mentions the latter!
My favourite prop is definitely the ceramic squirrel, followed by the ducks. Honourable mentions go to Emily's girly heart-shaped pink hair-slide, the blow-up doll in the mini-scene at the end, the sleazy artwork on the fake video boxes and the faulty chip vending machine.
I also want to buy a copy of the banner hanging outside Melinda and Danny's home: the one with the tortoises, lotus flower and snail.
"Speaking of Sex" is the perfect film for a girls' night in. It is frothy, frivolous fun. Maybe you could meet up a few weeks later to discuss the "circle technique" and whether it really is as effective as it sounds ... ; )
Similar Products
- White Palace [1990]
- Dream Lover [1994]
- Sex, Lies And Videotape [1989]
- The Stickup [2001]
- Bad Influence [1990]
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Melora Walters
Jay Mohr
Nathaniel Arcand
Megan Mullally
James Spader
Creators:
James Spader (Primary Contributor)
Melora Walters (Primary Contributor)
John McNaughton (Producer)
Alain Sarde (Producer)
David Fanning (Producer)
Michael Polaire (Producer)
Pierre Edelman (Producer)
Rob Scheidlinger (Producer)
Gary Tieche (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Siren
Manufacturer: Siren
EAN: 9330080001828
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2003-03-20
Region code: 2
Running time: 96 minutes
Language: English (Original Language)