No matter the story’s motivations or not, it’s always fascinating to watch movie audiences react to different types of sex scenes in film. Some are more popular than others and while sex scenes may not be as prevalent in cinema as car chases or fights are, they still can make an impactful contribution to your tale.
The End of the Affair (1993)
Neil Jordan’s adaption of Graham Greene’s novel takes an elegantly bitter tale about jealousy’s all-consuming impact and transforms it into an emotionally charged tale of love. Its astringent, subdued and ultimately elegiac tone offers a refreshing alternative to more familiar entertainments that have since become more sexualized or garishly garish in tone.
Julianne Moore stars as Sarah Miles, an emotionally intense yet sterile marriage to Henry (Stephen Rea). After meeting novelist Maurice Bendrix at an event hosted by Henry, Sarah becomes irresistibly drawn to him; thus beginning an illicit romance which quickly turns violent after a bomb destroys their household during London’s Blitz of 1940.
Two years later, Sarah reappears in Maurice’s life and reignites their romance – only this time, Sarah suspects that he may already be involved with someone else; upon hearing his promise that he can help her uncover the truth, Sarah decides to hire a detective agency instead to keep an eye on him.
Jordan’s previous films may be more subversive in nature, but his ability to craft subtle performances like Ralph Fiennes’ is evident here. Ralph stands out as an introverted character who cannot let go of Sarah and is constantly preoccupied with her.
Tom Hanks in Philadelphia had an Oscar-worthy performance; Hopkins delivers one that is equally superb as a depressed surrogate who transcends his role.
Although The End of the Affair didn’t win any awards, it was both critically and commercially successful, providing viewers with plenty of quality entertainment. Unfortunately it didn’t receive more recognition; nonetheless it remains essential viewing for fans of Jordan’s work.
The Brown Bunny (2003)
The Brown Bunny is a 2003 film directed and written by Vincent Gallo that debuted at Cannes Film Festival. Roger Ebert called it one of „the worst films” he had seen and recommended it not be shown again.
This movie was shot on 16mm and is an experimental film set against an American landscape, exploring loneliness and despair through one man’s personal loss journey.
Bud Clay (Gallo), an avid motorbike racer, traverses America on his motorbike in search of Daisy. Along the way he forms relationships with women like Lilly (supermodel Cheryl Tiegs), Rose (Elizabeth Blake), and Violet (Anna Vareschi).
It’s an unconventional film that may not appeal to everyone, but if you are intrigued by exploring how individuals cope with being alone. The elegiac soundtrack and stunning vintage cinematography create an aesthetic rare in mainstream films today.
If you enjoy Gallo’s previous works, this film should come as no surprise; it offers a focused exercise in personal ’70s-style American filmmaking that is both emotionally authentic and honest.
Films like American Honey will linger long in your memory and cause you to question the profession you have been immersed in for so long. Though not a masterpiece, American Honey shows great courage by tapping into beauty hidden among chaos and amateurism – qualities which would normally defy grandezza.
The Great Gatsby (1995)
The Great Gatsby is an iconic film about wealthy life during the Roaring Twenties. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel of the same name, this classic features Jay Gatsby – a mysterious millionaire who falls for Daisy Buchanan but can’t seem to win her back – throwing extravagant parties.
As we observe throughout the movie, Gatsby is obsessed with becoming wealthy and famous, hence his decision to buy a house directly across from where Daisy lives with Tom; thus providing him with an easy way to monitor her and prevent any chance of her falling for anyone else.
This notion is highly controversial as it suggests women should rely on men. Furthermore, this approach could have grave repercussions.
This film illustrates that women must possess an attractive body and appearance in order to attract male attention, as well as have sufficient funds for survival. Unrealistic expectations could lead to immense pain and tragedy within a relationship if these expectations remain unfulfilled.
A woman without the body and appearance to attract men will likely lead an unhappy life, being less successful in her career and not being able to support herself and her family financially.
Most rational minds find it hard to believe that women would engage in models or centerfold acts solely to gain men’s affection and desire. Most individuals nowadays tend to be more independent and do not accept this stereotype.
There are some powerful scenes in the movie that really resonate, prompting one to consider the meaning behind its narrative. One such scene occurs when Daisy sits outside of her father’s house yelling at him, suggesting someone has taken advantage of her vulnerability. It makes an impactful statement.