Tra(sgre)dire

Some films are simply about the appeal of one character. That's all that matters.

There seem to be two types: those that depend on the charm of attractive women, and those that have to work some other engagement. Often that's the acting challenge.

I'm thinking in particular of Audrey Hepburn and "Funny Face." The story and all else is there only to showcase the woman; She is only there for us and we for her. Soft porn should be the place we see much of this, simply because it affords a wider set of seductive options. But it just isn't so. I think there are several reasons for this. When a film is marketed as smut, expectations aren't very high and what you usually get is something that is measured as less than "the real thing."

Tinto Brass, in some of his later films tries to make something genuinely seductive I think, something that is itself. And he has a good eye, a good cinematic sense. Unfortunately for me, what he thinks is seductive in terms of body types doesn't score. Its a cultural thing.

But what he aims for is casual intimacy, the type of casualness that isn't deliberately seductive, but the center of being of the woman. So when you see the nude actress, it is more likely to be her lounging around the house. Its a study in a woman.

A second reason you see this so little is, well, there are few women on screen who can charm like say Audrey Hepburn. The ones that can act go to a different market. The ones who can't end up in the higher paying "adult industry." So it must be quite a challenge for Brass to find a woman sufficiently natural in a sexual appeal to built a film around.

The story in this case if you don't know it is that he found this woman as a waitress in a pizza place and charmed her into the role. She IS successful at being what he needs, apparently because its what she really is. So in a way, its a documentary, if you subtract out the story, which you'll do even if you aren't interested in the process.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

This is perfect after a long week of work. No thinking, just sit back and enjoy Carla (Yuliya Mayarchuk) as she romps throughout London.

First stop is to find a new apartment. This is where she meets Moira (Francesca Nunzi), who is more than willing to share hers at no charge in exchange for some small favors. Oh my! Although the title is Cheeky, and you would expect a focus on that part of the anatomy, I can assure you that there is more than enough focus on the rest of life's treasures in the film. Panties, if worn at all, do not stay on long. In fact, Carla seldom has anything on.

There is a story here, but who cares?

This film was hilarious. Tinto Brass is a very sweet director, I'm hoping to find more of his back catalogue other than Caligula. This film was presented at American Film Market this year. Usually, investors come in and out of films after 20 minutes with a decision to buy or distribute, but for some reason, nobody could stand up until the end of this film. If you see the film, you'll understand why.

The movie started out with much explicit sex in a park and keeps getting graphic as the movie progresses, very refreshing compared to most of the "unrealistic" silly porn flicks out there. Cheeky doesn't try to be what it isn't in that it doesn't try to go into a mystery or thriller when all it is is a skin flick. The nudity in this isn't offensive (except to prudes) and although very graphic at time (T n A n P) it's never inappropriate or gratuitous; a refreshing erotic masterpiece for Tinto Brass!

In short, this is not a family flick, but it isn't offensive or vulgar in its soft-core glory; a true gem of erotica.. too bad it's in Italian, I hate reading my movies!

This movie makes me ashamed of the modern soft-core American porn that I see on the premium cable channels. Every part of a woman's body is shown, without apologies. You could say that no punches have been pulled; HOWEVER, the sex and nudity aren't treated as punches. Penises, both flaccid and erect are shown, as if the average adult actually knew what one was.

It is a beautiful movie, if one likes the female form. The movie's star is gorgeous with no silicon or evidence of a personal trainer. There is a plot, but it doesn't get in the way of the movie very much. The dialog is stupid, but sincere. They don't make movies like this anymore and I doubt that they ever will.