Sex, Lies, and Videotape

"Sometimes I feel stupid babbling about my little problems while children are starving in the world." Steven Soderbergh pays close attention not so much to the sex itself, but rather the relationships associated with it. The four actors perform their roles as if they are experiencing the whole affair and do not notice Walt Lloyd's camera at all. The Golden Globe that Soderbergh took home for his screenplay is well deserved in this case, as the small-scale exploration of the mentality of people trying to break/resist/redeem themselves in a rollercoaster of infidelity, lies and therapeutic video sex talk is brilliant. This is thanks to the use of the static camera, carefully chosen editing, simple interiors, and unglamorous costumes. It's also pleasantly civil, making the line between film and everyday reality even thinner, and when one of the characters utters a line that gives you a sense of déjà vu from your own life, the emotional impact of the film becomes even more direct. (20/08/2006)

Steven Soderberg is a very demanding director. But when his movies get under your skin, you’ll be duly rewarded. It took me a long time to get to this movie. Who would have thought that open discussions about sexuality could make for such a strong tension? James Spyder is absolutely incredible in this movie and I must admit that although I wasn’t expecting it at first, I was bating my breath by the end. Sex, Lies and Videotape is a very personal and private movie, but the actors themselves take it to new heights. (16/07/2015)

Steven Soderbergh and his superb ability to reflect human feelings without being overwrought or theatrical. It takes wit, lightness and, of course, some life experience to make a drama about relationships in such a way that it feels natural and the viewers don’t have to shake their heads at the illogical and often inexplicable behavior of the characters. Considering that Steven Soderbergh wrote the script himself at the age of 26 (probably a little earlier), I have no choice but to give him a deep bow. A psychological study like crazy, topped off with excellent performances and absolutely perfect dialogue. (20/11/2011)

I watched it on the computer. It’s a film that I liked at first sight and will sure watch again. Sex, Lies, and Videotape is a successful feature début by Steven Soderbergh. The four protagonists, none of whom is the prototype of a person I’d like to be friends with, are portrayed in such way that by the end they had earned a little of my sympathy, with the exception of the one that appears to be the most normal. An impressive study on relationships and pathological social behaviour. Interesting film. (31/01/2012)

Sex, Lies, and Videotape became a big surprise of 1989 and its commercial success and critical acclaim catapulted Soderbergh into the filmmaking elite of the United States. The film, based on a clever script full of interesting dialogues, is a tragicomedy dealing with the fates of several middle-class Americans who struggle with their sexual and family lives. A subtle but powerful film that will leave a lasting impression on the viewer. The film was a great success for Andie MacDowell, who established herself as a film star and went on to make several successful blockbusters in the 90s. Overall impression: 80%. (14/06/2006)