The Pornographer

I have just seen this movie not 5 minutes ago and was absolutley blown away by this peice of art. Yes I used piece of art, cause this is ultimately what it is. I am in the film and theatre buissness and have not been touched, moved, and overjoyed over a film since I first saw Memento and before that was the first time I saw clerks. This work was an amazingly shot and acted piece it left me in tears. The fact that it was an indie flick makes it that much more clear to me that the best work in the business is coming out of independent film. The film showed the touching story of corruption in a man that seems like he can't be. You feel for every character in this film including the pornography producer. If you want a film that is just a joy to watch and makes you feel something get this one instantly

There were many problems with the film, with plot threads that don't really go anywhere, some cheesy dialogue and daft ideas (that all male porn directors think they are making art - yeah right). However it succeeds in showing the reality of being a lonely male, and the various male needs that lead to use of porn. It looks at different sides of the argument but seems to come down fairly firmly against porn and the industry (the only decent characters are the anti-porn female boss and the naive actress). Makes a valid point that many men would deplore the treatment and exploitation of some women in the porn industry, yet enjoy watching the films. Although the production is pretty bad in some places, it does leave you pondering the issues, which means the film is a success.

With the current procession of post-Tarantino body count epics and Tom Green-styled "comedies," it's a real pleasure to discover a new indie film that is derived from genuine ideas. The casting of little-known actors is remarkable, and one can easily discern that the crew provided a positive creative atmosphere, given the admitted low budget. The project feels like a labor of love for all concerned; even the producer/director's pets give credible performances. In the "old days," I'd have referred to this film as a sleeper. That term may no longer be relevant, but THE PORNOGRAPHER remains as an inspiration in an era when "indie cinema" is too often confused with extended MTV-style videos. This is a real film.

It doesn't take much thinking about the porn industry to realise that the issues involved with it are complex. To its credit this film manges to present most of the issues lucidly and without moralising. There are a heap of problems with the coherence and logic of the script, but the characters are strong and credible, which helps to overcome this to some extent. The film attempts to analyse users and makers of, and participants in, porno videos and continues with this as the theme throughout until the concocted ending, which like a few other situations within the plot (for example the arranged second meeting with the girl in the park) is quite irritating. No doubt like a lot of other viewers I kind of wish that I could have taken the script and ironed out the problems with it, as it does have a lot of strengths.

This is arguably the best movie ever made!! Given the novice actors in the movie, and the seemingly porno fixture, this flick models the Boogie Nights and takes it to a much greater altitude... Just Scintilling is not the only adjective it deserves!!! Woven into a porn industry base is a great sense of direction and acting. Apart from a suckery end, this was amazing... Bravo!!