Des jours plus belles que la nuit

Skin. Like. Sun. (2009; original title is Des Jours Plus Belles Que La Nuit) is Jennifer Lyon Bell's third film, which she collaborated on with Murielle Scherre. Filmed in near real time, Skin. Like. Sun. is an art hous'y sex film that lingers on the sweet and sexy slowness of sex. Stylistically, the film combines the strength of each filmmaker: the cinematic realism and fine eye for close-ups with texture of Jennifer and the indie rhythm and esthetics of D.J. and lingerie designer Murielle.

The film follows a real-life couple spending an afternoon having sex in the sun-washed rooms of an empty old house (the couple is also featured in Murielle's documentary styled shorts on her first porn film collection J'fais du porno et j'aime ça). Far from porny looking, the woman and man are attractive in their indie, tattooed, subtly sexy and emotionally naked way. And their mutual affection and chemistry emanate from the picture.

Originally the filmmakers' idea was to capture how sex looks like from her perspective, but in the end they realized that would detract from also capturing what she feels. And the film well captures his deeply felt adore for her in his eyes and caresses.

At about 55 minutes in length, the film is unique too for its focus on foreplay. It also captures that dizzying bubble of pleasure as the intensity soars and the couple lose themselves to the moment.

Skin. Like. Sun. was made upon invitation by the Belgian feminist festival Stout(ste) Dromen (Your wild(est) dreams) in Antwerp where it premiered in October 2009. The film had its international premiere during CineKink NYC in February 2010. Included as extra material on the DVD are interviews with the filmmakers and the performers sharing their views on feminism and what makes Skin. Like. Sun. a feminist film, in particular in how it captures mutual love and respect, and in how it focuses on her experience and what real unscripted sex is like for her, and for him. (The couple make sure to point out that it's not like their sex is always this slow and sweet; that they sometimes like it rough too! But that sweetness fit "the vibe of the moment" in a beautiful and relaxed sunlit space.) Skin. Like. Sun. is a unique viewing experience; it won the award for Best Direction at the Feminist Porn Awards (2010).

This felt very real. I absolutely disagree with the previous assessment of it being boring and lacking chemistry. This is reflective of a time when we took time to enjoy things and each other. Not caught up instant gratification or a heated rush to a climax. If 30 minutes drives you insane concerning anticipation and intimacy... your'e probably missing out imho. We must realize that things such as these are relative to ones taste and life experience, so you can't make a blanket judgement because what might be insanity for you, may be joy for another.

Who wants to watch this stuff? It wasn't hardcore porn yet it wasn't a movie either. Not porn became I've seen R rated movies with more nudity. Not a movie because all the goofy couple did was have sex. Mostly kissing, no talking except for a little mumbling that you couldn't understand. I've seen much more sensual and beautiful love scenes. The people that said this was great must be friends of the cast or they are the cast. Glad I didn't pay to see it, don't waste your time.