Monday, November 16, 2009

the not-so universal language of sex

I ended my last post with the rhetorical question, "the language of sex is universal, is it not?" Elsewhere I've argued that porn by new female porn makers differs greatly depending on what side of the Atlantic ocean they're from. While they may share a dedicated desire to create something different from mainstream porn, films made by American women (and men), typically located in progressive pockets on the East or West coast, are often characterized by a pedagogical/political commitment to show the public that sex is not bad, erotica is not bad, even porn need not be bad. Sex between lesbians, homosexuals, bisexuals, transsexuals, etc., is not bad. BDSM is not bad. Having sexual hang-ups is natural and can be overcome. Anal penetration can be fun, both for women and for men, including men in heterosexual relationships.

The European filmmakers are not so concerned with these agendas. Characters in these films engage in a variety of sexual practices, and they are not as burdened by sexual insecurities as their American peers. Attitudes to sex, erotica, and porn are more relaxed in Europe, and so the "need" to legitimize various sexual practices is less urgent.

European filmmakers also tend to show greater artistic talent and film technical skills. They demonstrate a finer attention to framing, cutting, and sound; they know how to juxtapose the right two images next to each other for the greatest aesthetic effect. Likely because the business has less of a social stigma, it appeals to the talent of people who in the US would shy away from it. Probably the greater financial support of the arts in Europe has something to do with it.

On the other hand, porn by women in the US does tend to have an edginess that's culturally and politically refreshing.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

french chic

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Friday, October 16, 2009

teasers

These last couple of days, I've been studying the erotic short films by Dutch-born Eva Midgley. She has made an "Erotic Moments Collection" for the upscale store Coco de Mer with little vignettes that range from around 1 to 5 minutes, as well as a longer 10-minute erotic film called "Honey and Bunny," all free to watch here. To read more about Eva ("Biography") and watch her reel that includes her very cute short film "Tease Strip," visit Quiet Storm Films, click on Directors, and then Eva Midgley.

Swedish-born director Erika Lust also has an erotic short film available to watch free online here, or see video below. "Handcuffs" is part of a bigger project in the works by Erika.


I'm also eagerly awaiting the new films of
  • Emilie Jouvet (her prize-awarded feature One Night Stand and her shorts, featuring the underground queer Parisian scene);
  • lingerie designer (of the Belgian based La Fille d'O) Murielle Scherre (her j'fais du porno et j'aime ca, see trailer below), 
  • German-born Petra Joy (Feeling It), 
  • and Swedish Mia Engberg (Dirty Diaries). 
  • Sophie Bramly of SoFilles Productions in Paris is also sending me her company's ten short films. I've also contacted some other new up-and-coming female filmmakers that I'm waiting to hear back from. More on them later.

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