So in my journey of self-discovery and education, I've been watching movies that portray the darker side of sex. Most of the ones I've seen so far are older movies, dating back 10 or more years, and as you can see, a lot has changed since these movies came out.

I read this book back when I was 14 or 15, and though at the time I didn't fully understand the subtle undertones to it, I thought it was hot and dirty and I liked parts of it. I never saw the entire movie until recently, when I decided to give it a whirl. It really wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be, although Kim Basinger screaming like a silly teenager throughout various parts of the movie had me rolling my eyes (and no, this wasn't during sexy times. She just did this in general). The movie has several sensual scenes, most notably the food scene, which was sexy and fun. But there were signs of things to come in the relationship. Mickey Rourke's character would have taken care of her in exchange for her trust in all things. It hints at what a true D/s relationship consists of, and I wish they would have taken it further, but this was the mid-80's, and it probably caused enough of a fuss as it is. Still, knowing what I know now, it was disappointing to barely get a glimpse of what a genuine relationship of this nature looks like.



From BooksaMillion.com:

Stanley Kubrick's final film is a mature, highly intelligent, thrilling masterpiece of sexual obsession and marital (in)fidelity. Tom Cruise stars as Bill Harford, a doctor who becomes obsessed with a sexual fantasy that his wife, Alice (Nicole Kidman), confesses to him. Although the fantasy (involving a naval officer) occurred only in Alice's mind, Bill can't get it out of his own head; his obsession leads him through a series of potential sexual encounters, each one surrounded by the specter of death. His whole world threatens to unravel as he falls deeper and deeper into a web of mystery, lies, and deceit. Kubrick's film breathes with vivid blues, reds, and blacks, the threat of illicit sex and death lurking around every corner. Cruise and Kidman, who are married in real life, are utterly convincing as a happy couple suddenly forced to reexamine their faith in each other. Sidney Pollack, Todd Field, Julienne Davis, Marie Richardson, and Vinessa Shaw sparkle in minor roles. Based on the novella TRAUMNOVELLE by Arthur Schnitzler, EYES WIDE SHUT is a brilliant examination of the psychological nature of sex and marriage, of faith and faithlessness, of obsession and desire. Kubrick said that his last film (he died shortly before the film opened) was "my best film ever;" while that is debatable, there is no doubting that the film is a splendid finale to a glorious career.

What was the big deal with this movie? Bor-ing. It all hinged on a dirty fantasy Alice (Nicole Kidman) has about another man. Not even a real encounter. And then it goes into something weird and unsexy. I really wasn't sure what I'd expect about this movie, other than before I saw it, someone told me it was a good perspective of a married couple, so instead I concentrated on that. It's about the secrets we keep from even our spouses, which can be damaging. If there's one thing I understand, is we all have secrets, and some of them are ones you never want to share with someone you love. Or sometimes you have to in order to have a healthy, long-term relationship, no matter how much it hurts. It all really depends on the relationship.

So though neither of these two movies really provided me with any new insight into the constantly changing and evolving sexual world we live in, it still gave me some interesting concepts to think about in regard to relationships: trust, control, honesty, fantasy, respect, and love. I intend to keep on delving into more about these elements, and exploring some of the ideas that fascinate me most. I'm fortunate to have some friends who are very open and willing to share their experiences, and it's been amazing to speak freely and ask questions. And not to have to worry about what's normal, because that definition is different for everyone. So whether you're vanilla to the core, the kinkiest person on the block, or somewhere in between, it's all good.

Have you seen these movies?

If so, what was your take on them?

Any others you'd recommend?

Labels: movies

Now this doesn't mean I'm thinking about every girl this way, because truth be told, I'm not. In fact when I first felt the attraction, I would look at other girls and wonder...but no. It hasn't worked liked that for me. So far it's just the one. So if anyone is ever rooming with me for reader events (which is rare cuz I like having my own room), you've got nothing to worry about. Seriously.

Labels: crushes

Producer Ismail Merchant considered A ROOM WITH A VIEW Merchant Ivory's first genuine blockbuster, and it enjoyed more popular success than any previous Merchant Ivory film. Screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala was awarded an Academy Award for her screenplay, and the film itself was nominated for Best Picture. Director James Ivory's tale also features British movie icons Judi Dench and Simon Callow. A ROOM WITH A VIEW was the first of three Forster novels (the other two were MAURICE and HOWARDS END) adapted by Merchant Ivory Productions.

Helena Bonham-Carter is exquisite as the passionate yet buttoned-up Lucy Honeychurch. It is evident she is as taken with George as he is with her, but her spinsterly chaperone does not approve, so she ignores her feelings and upon returning back to England, immediately .

Labels: movies