sex, lies, and videotape
sex, lies, and videotape

Movie spotlight

sex, lies, and videotape

1989
Movie
101 min
English

Ann, a frustrated wife, enters into counseling due to a troubled marriage. Unbeknownst to her, her husband John has begun an affair with her sister. When John’s best friend Graham arrives, his penchant for interviewing women about their sex lives forever changes John and Ann’s rocky marriage.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic82/100
Google Users88%
Director: Steven SoderberghGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A former college acquaintance, John, arrives in town with a video camera, claiming to be writing a study on how people's sexual histories affect their present relationships. His presence disrupts the lives of a dysfunctional married couple, Graham and Ann, and Ann's sexually uninhibited sister, Cynthia, leading to revelations and complex emotional entanglements.

Critical Reception

The film was a critical and commercial success, marking a significant debut for director Steven Soderbergh. It was praised for its sharp dialogue, nuanced performances, and exploration of intimacy and communication, resonating with both critics and audiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unconventional exploration of sexuality and relationships.

  • Acclaimed for Soderbergh's confident directorial debut and sharp screenplay.

  • Lauded for the compelling performances of its lead actors, particularly James Spader.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's thought-provoking themes, mature handling of sensitive subjects, and engaging dialogue, with many appreciating its unique perspective on human connection.

Awards & Accolades

Palme d'Or winner at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival, Independent Spirit Award for Best Film.

Fun Fact

Steven Soderbergh wrote the entire screenplay in just ten days.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

If in doubt, see a therapist! Well that's what the ostensibly happy "Ann" (Andi MacDowell) does whilst married to aspiring lawyer "John" (Peter Gallagher). This woman stresses about just about everything, and this singularly futile behaviou...

William

William

This is about the most nonsexual movie I have ever seen with the word sex in the title. This is worse than a watered down romance novel. The story was very boring and uninspired. I personally find all the actors/actresses unattractive and t...