Category Archives: Nudity

2003, Biographical, Drama, Explicit sexual discussion, Gay theme, Lawyers, Mostly About Sex, Nudity, True Story, Unusual

Angels In America (2003)

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From NetFlix:

Tony Kushner’s groundbreaking, Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play about love, loss and loneliness — the basis for this six-hour HBO miniseries — took more than 10 years to make it to the small screen. Starring Al Pacino (as real-life legal counsel Roy Cohn) and Meryl Streep, the drama examines the first few years of the AIDS epidemic in the mid-1980s, set against the moral absolutism and unresponsive backdrop of the Reagan Administration.

After doing my best to discourage you from watching this long two-disc, six chapter theatrical production turned into a film, persist if you must. Although definitely not for everyone, I enjoyed this film. If nothing else, it is certainly original.

Why you should NOT see this film:

  • Much of the dialog is just psycho babble or worse. Sometimes it just doesn’t make much sense.
  • The lines are said as though you were watching a play on stage, that is to say, it is a declamatory style of speaking. It makes Meryl Streep seem wooden.
  • The plot centers on AIDS. Oh yes, and it is all about AIDS. Moreover there is a lot of discussion about AIDS.
  • Talk about Magic Realism. Emma Thompson as an angel is over the top. Have you even seen an angel have lightning bolt sex with a human ?

Still not convinced, hey ? Then Padre Antonio will give you a brief historical background. An excellent summary of the life of Roy Cohn may be found in the Wikipedia article.. For this film you only need to know that:

  • Roy Cohn is despised by the left as a conniving, self-serving bastard. Read ALL the Wikipedia article to see why.
  • Roy Cohn is closely associated with the anti-communist Senator Joe McCarthy and the FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover (enough said ?)
  • Roy Cohn was instrumental in convicting Ethel Rosenberg.
  • Roy Cohn was an active, closeted gay man who hypocritically persecuted gays in public offices.
  • Roy Cohn, though never convicted of a multitude of accusations, was eventually disbarred for many reasons.
  • Roy Cohn died of AIDS while protesting that it was liver cancer.

And now for Ethel Rosenberg. Again see the Wikipedia article. Notable items:

  • It is still debateable that Ethel was guilty.
  • Roy Cohn was instrumental in convicting Ethel Rosenberg.
  • Meryl Streep really was made to look just like Ethel.

OK, some reasons why you SHOULD see this film:

  • Al Pacino is pitch-perfect as Roy Cohn.
  • You get to see each actor play several parts. Can you spot them?
  • If you have a special place in your heart for Mormons, you will love this trip. Patrick Wilson is pitch-perfect as a gay Mormon who seems to have stepped out of Gentlemen’s Quarterly.
  • And where else could you see an angel having electric sex with a human ?

HAVE FUN !

2010, Car Chase, Complicated, Conspiracy, Drama, Nudity, Suspense, Violent

The Ghost Writer (2010)

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From NetFlix:

A writer (Ewan McGregor) stumbles upon a long-hidden secret when he agrees to help former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) complete his memoirs on a remote island after the politician’s assistant drowns in a mysterious accident. In director Roman Polanski’s tense drama, the author realizes that his discovery threatens some very powerful people who will do anything to ensure that certain episodes from Lang’s past remain buried.

First of all notice the “The” in the title. Do not confuse this film with a disaster entitled “Ghost Writer” with Alan Cumming and David Boreanaz.

Three of us went to see “The Ghost Writer” in a theater. The plot is complicated enough that afterwards we tried for hours to untangle the details. I am sorry to say that this time the Wikipedia article does not give a detailed plot summary. So we can go on arguing forever.

All the right elements are here for your enjoyment: scenery, good acting, challenging plot, incredible ending. I would enjoy hearing your reaction to the last scene.

For the star gazers among us, note that Ewan McGregor has played in so many films (listed in IMDB) that we mention only Brassed Off (1996), Deception (2008), Miss Potter (2006), Moulin Rouge (2001) , and many parts of “Star Wars”.

See Pierce Brosnan in Shattered (2007) as well as many James Bond films.

You can read Rolling Stone’s review for some interesting details.

2008, Could Be Sad, Crime, Drama, Explicit sex, Gay theme, Love Story, Nudity, Violent

The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Stuck in a terrible job, recent college grad Art Bechstein (Jon Foster) struggles to enjoy the last summer of his youth. Things begin to look up when he meets a beguiling couple (Sienna Miller and Peter Sarsgaard) who show him a new side of his hometown, Pittsburgh, and of himself. But as he and his new friends get into increasingly intense situations, Art is forced to choose between family, friendship and love.

Thanks to NetFlix for suggesting this sweet, sad, jewel of a surprise. John Foster (as Zack in 15 episodes of “Accidentally On Purpose”), Peter Sarsgaard (as David in “An Education”), and Sienna Miller (as Camille Foster in “Camille”) are pitch perfect. Also Nick Nolte is perfect as the gangster father.

Perhaps it is easy to play an emotionally hesitant role as does John Foster, but in this case it was exactly what was needed as a contrast with Sarsgaard’s somewhat out of control character. And Sienna Miller is just plain sweet.

More I will not say because there are some surprises along the way. Definitely not for children: there is sex and violence. Nonetheless it is a sweet film.

2009, Biographical, Drama, Love Story, Nudity

The Last Station (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Set during the last year of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy’s life, this biopic explores the fractious relationship between Tolstoy (Oscar nominated Christopher Plummer) and his wife (Oscar nominated Helen Mirren), as he embraces a life of asceticism. Paul Giamatti co-stars as impassioned Tolstoy devotee Vladimir Chertkov, with James McAvoy playing the aging writer’s assistant, Valentin, who is caught in the middle of various struggles.

Leo Tolstoy died in 1910 at the age of 82. The biography in Wikipedia speaks of his deteriorating relations with his younger wife towards the end of his life. Reviews of this film criticize it for “over acting”. But Mirren’s histrionics may well be justified.

We all know Mirren, PLummer, and Giamatti. James McAvoy, who does a fine job, has played in Atonement (2007) , The Last King of Scotland, and State of Play.

Seeing this film in a theatre is worthwhile because the scenery is beautiful. Be sure to stay past the end of the film because you then see actual films made of Tolstoy himself. Remarkable to think that movies were made prior to 1910.

2006, Could Be Hard To Watch, Drama, Explicit sex, Love Story, Nudity

Little Children (2006)

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From NetFlix:

The lives of several adults who have yet to surpass adolescence intersect in unexpected ways in this twisted relationship drama from director Todd Field that’s set on the suburban streets of a small town. While on-the-go wife and mother Kathy (Jennifer Connelly) is focused on her career, Sarah (Kate Winslet, in an Oscar-nominated role) copes with her domestic plight by having an affair with Kathy’s husband, a stay-at-home dad (Patrick Wilson).

“Little Children” is NOT for little children. On the plus side there are lots of fun nude scenes of love-making between Winslet and Wilson. Also there is some fun footage of rough adult football. On the minus side there are two scenes of masturbation and one scene of self-mutilation.

The book was written by Tom Perrotta who lives in Belmont, MA. There is a voiced-in narrator that reads some of Perrotta’s text.

Don’t let the above warnings scare you off. This film captures the early 21st century with lots of current references. It especially captures surburban stay-at-home moms.

Kate Winslet is no stranger to this blog. See Revolutionary Road (2008), and Romance & Cigarettes (2005), as well as The Reader (2008) .

Patrick Wilson is young, handsome, and likeable in this film. For a completely different Patrick Wilson see Hard Candy (2005)

Hats off to Noah Emmerich as the sad former policeman Larry Hedges.

However, for my money, the most amazing piece of acting was presented by Jackie Earle Haley as the pervert. His reaction to his mother’s death was devastating.

I loved this possibly hard to watch film.

1976, Brazilian, Comedy, Could be boring, Explicit sex, Explicit sexual discussion, Mostly About Sex, Nudity, Old-Fashioned, Vulgar

Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands (1976)

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From NetFlix:

Proving that bad boys are hard to shake, this fanciful Brazilian comedy follows the adventures of Dona Flor (Sonia Braga), a conventional girl who weds a handsome ne’er-do-well (José Wilker) whose only saving grace is his talent in bed. When he dies suddenly, Flor remarries — but to his polar opposite: an exceedingly dull pharmacist (Mauro Mendonça). Soon, she finds herself longing for hubby No. 1 … and next thing you know, his ghost appears.

“Dona Flor” is the most successful Brazilian film ever made. For more history see wikipedia. Because I am studying Brazilian Portuguese I watched this historical film. Today’s audience would probably find the film dull even though it is completely about sex. In fact the nudity and the sex scenes are fairly chaste. Unless you are a determined afficionado of Brazilian film history, skip this one. I was just grateful to understand some small amount of the Brazilian.

2009, Complicated, Explicit sexual discussion, Nudity, Occasional gore, Suspense, Violent

A Perfect Getaway (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Newlyweds Cliff (Steve Zahn) and Cydney (Milla Jovovich) are enjoying a perfect honeymoon in Hawaii — until they run into a pair of menacing hikers, Nick (Timothy Olyphant) and Gina (Kiele Sanchez). As it turns out, the two are dangerous killers who begin stalking the not-so-happy couple. David Twohy wrote and directed this action-packed thriller, which co-stars Marley Shelton, Katie Chonacas and Chris Hemsworth.

Give this film only a B. The acting was just fine. I have never seen Steve Zahn do a bad job or appear in a movie that I did not want to watch. HOWEVER … you have to suspend disbelief in certain parts. Although there is a wonderful plot twist, I had great difficulty understanding the details. Perhaps I was just too tired to grasp the details. Try watching the film without help. After that you can read wikipedia which explains everything. There are just a few body wounds, nothing more unsettling than that. The very last few seconds are a clever conclusion.

1990, Drama, Explicit sex, Kidnapping, Not Feel Good, Nudity, Suspense, Violent

After Dark My Sweet (1990)

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From NetFlix:

When a couple of conniving lowlifes (Rachel Ward, Bruce Dern) hatch a plot to kidnap the scion of a wealthy local family, they pick the wrong man to carry out the job: Kid Collie (Jason Patric), a disturbed ex-boxer on the lam from a mental institution. Collie narrates this twisted tale of double crosses and deception directed by James Foley (At Close Range) and adapted from the Jim Thompson novel.

Years ago I saw Jason Patric in “Sleepers”, a difficult-to-watch film about child kidnap and sexual abuse. In looking for more Patric films I tried “Expired” (2007) and “Your Friends and Neighbors” (1998). In both films he played the part of a nasty somewhat despicable person. I refused to recommend either film. In “After Dark My Sweet” he does and excellent and consistent job in becoming the damaged Kid Collie. Good story with unpredictable plot twists. For the life of me I cannot figure out what the ta

1997, Could Be Hard To Watch, Drama, Explicit sex, Explicit sexual discussion, Gay theme, Love Story, Not Feel Good, Nudity, Redemption, Unusual, Violent, War

Bent (1997)

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From NetFlix:

In this drama based on the play by Martin Sherman (who also wrote the screenplay), a Berlin homosexual is caught up in the Nazi hysteria during World War II. After being forced to kill his lover, he’s placed in a concentration camp and lies to get himself classified as Jewish rather than gay. But several rule-breaking incidents and his love for a fellow male prisoner bring him to admit his true nature. Mick Jagger appears briefly as a drag queen.

If you see this film before you watch “Walk On Water” you might appreciate the second film more. “Bent” offers a unique view of Nazi cruelty, especially as directed towards homosexuals. This view couples well with “Walk On Water”.

I watched this film because I was trying to find films with Clive Owen. “Bent” only increases my appreciation of his acting skill. He is willing to take unusual, possibly controversial roles. I only hope he resists the temptation to which Anthony Hopkins succumbed, namely taking stupid roles in order to make money. Sadly, “Duplicity” comes close to that mistake.

This could be a difficult film for you to watch because:

  • Initial scenes show decadent public entertainment in Berlin including explicit homosexual activity. Indeed Berlin at that time in history was very decadent.
  • When the two male lovers are first captured, they are put on a train to Dachau in which the goal was to break their spirit and hopefully eliminate them before they arrived at Dachau. One of the partners is brutally tortured and Clive Owen is forced to deny he knows the victim and must beat that victim who is thrown bodily off the train.
  • The officers insist that Clive Owen perform straight sex on a 12 year old girl who is in fact dead during the encounter. The German officers laugh and have a gay old time.
  • In prison Clive finds a new gay acquaintance Horst. The two are forced to repetitive, meaningless hard labor moving rocks back and forth.
  • Needless to say, they cannot touch one another. At one point they verbally work thru a sexual encounter in which each achieves orgasm. It proves to them that they are still alive.
  • All along Clive managed to be classified as Jewish as opposed to gay. Toward the end of the film the officers cruelly kill Horst and ask Clive to dispose of the body.

As a side note on hypocrisy, many Nazis (some of them leaders such as Roehm) were openly homosexual. You can find an enlightening article on Homosexuality in the Nazi Party.

Jude Law, Mick Jagger, and others have cameo roles. I challenge you to spot Jude Law.

The music, believe it or not, was written by Philip Glass. He must have been very young because the music is beautiful.

If you can stomach the harsh details and try to ignore them, you will watch a story of a guilty man finally forgiving himself and admitting of love. Do NOT expect a happy ending.

2004, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Explicit sexual discussion, Gay theme, Nudity, Redemption, Revenge, Suspense

Walk on Water (2004)

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From NetFlix:

American-born Israeli director Eytan Fox lenses this contemporary road movie that takes its Israeli characters to Berlin as they attempt to understand the role that the past still plays in the lives of young Israeli and German people. Stars Lior Ashkenzai, Carola Ranier, Hans Tischler, Israeli Gideon Shemer and Yousuf Swaid. The soundtrack includes tunes by Esther Ofarim, Bruce Springsteen, Telepopmusic and Gigliola Cinquetti.

Thanks to my Spanish teacher Joaquín for lending me this film. If any theme is strongest, it is that of personal change and overcoming prejudices. The plot itself offers many surprising turns all the way to the end of the film. In fact for me this was one of those films in which the suspense of the plot line is so strong that I could not even pause the film for a second.

No film is perfect. The main actor, the Mossad assassin, was best when he was purposely emotionless. In one scene he is not terribly successful in portraying remorse. Was the ending a bit too good to be true ? And of course the Mossad agent is an expert martial artist.

This film is not for children not so much because of its gay subtheme but because there is very explicit discussion of gay sexual practices.

If I had not seen this movie, I would have missed a really worthwhile film.