Sex, Lies, and Videotape

Already with his first feature film, Steven Soderbergh showed that he was a very capable filmmaker who could delve deeply into the human psyche and didn't mind tackling subjects that might not be pleasant for everyone or that some might not want to openly discuss. In this case, it's the sexuality that remarkably comes to life through the performances, essentially without the need to film the explicit act itself. (2016-02-14)

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. (2015-07-16)

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. (2011-11-20)

Sex, Lies, and Videotape became a big surprise of 1989, and its commercial success and critical acclaim catapulted Steven 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. It's an unassuming but powerful film that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. Andie MacDowell had big success with the film, establishing herself as a movie star and starring in several successful hits in the 90s. Overall impression: 80%. (2006-06-14)

"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. (2006-08-20)