Orchidea selvaggia 3

A good movie if you want to see a pre-X-file D. Duchovny (talking dirty and shirtless). Also, if you like erotica, then this is a good movie for you. It is filmed with a lot of strange lights and shadows that sets the dark mood of the movie.

My friend Chris rented this movie expecting something along the lines of the terribly formulatic romantic/erotic ShowTime series from Zalman King. I was very surprised with this movie. A pre-X-Flies David Duchovony stars as a man still mourning over the death of his beautiful fiancee (Brigit Bako, of Strange Days). He then finds her diary which reveals a steamy relationship between her and a shoe salesman (Billy Wirth). The story is well-written and -acted, except for the stiff Duchovony.

This movie deserves a wider audience, because I think people will like and identify with it. Three Stars out of Four.

Jake Winters (David Duchovny) is struggling with his girlfriend Alex (Brigitte Bako)'s suicide. He finds her diary and reads the entries. She had an affair with construction worker/shoe salesman Thomas Butler who is completely different from Jake. He won't let her go even after Jake's proposal. She ends up taking her life and Jake decides to go confront Thomas.

Duchovny is actually not the lead in the first hour. It's Brigitte Bako's story. She's a beautiful woman with some acting skills. The same could probably be said of Thomas Butler. It's a meandering erotic melodrama. Then there is the Duchovny and Butler basketball game to the death. It is memorable filled with over-the-top drama. Bridgit Ryan is also memorable as the drunk girl with Heidi #1 and Heidi #2. It's a little fun, a little erotic and plenty of not-so-good.

I viewed this movie for the first time on DVD last weekend. I have watched it many times on VHS. I liked Billy Wirth's humorous comments about his role in the extras on the DVD. This movie was the basis for Zalman King's long-running series on Showtime called "Red Shoe Diaries", where David Duchovny reads letters sent to him from women who share their sexual experiences with him. This is a great movie for women to watch, more than men, because of the two hunky leads: David Duchovny and Billy Wirth. They both look gorgeous in this movie! I can understand Brigitte Bako's dilemma over who to pick as her main man in this flick because they both have something to offer. Why Mr. Duchovny has never discussed this movie or the series as part of his credits I will never understand. It may not be Shakespeare, but it is nothing to be ashamed of. On the serious side, it gives one something to think about in regards to relationships and how unstable some people are. Very entertaining, thought-provoking, and sexy. Great soundtrack too.

I had to watch this movie right after watching a newer movie that explores similar themes, however, with a May / December relationship where the woman is much older that her lover - I will leave it at that without naming names LOL That movie was so awful! So, I decided to explore how these types of movies were once made & better - enter director Zalman King. I enjoyed this movie for the most part. In fact, I enjoy these types of movies that came out during a specific timeframe of the late 80s-early 90s. It's erotica & meant for women mainly. Most women with some life experience will understand its appeal & I admit, it's not for everyone. It's slow but sensual & filled with a lot of desire & foreplay. Many current movies with erotic themes try to replicate aspects of King's style, down to certain scenes (I will not name titles, will leave it to your imagination); however, these fail miserably. I find those movies often cold or crass even. There is a warmth in these movies that is simply not captured in modern similar films. The dialogue is uncomplicated but there are plenty of visuals and use of specific colours to emphasize character development, all the while becoming a part of the storytelling. If you enjoy a more sensual & steamy twist to romance, you may enjoy this, just ensure you are focused & not multitasking & you just might feel the appeal.