DVD REVIEW

Scenes of a Sexual Nature

THINKFilm || Not Rated || Jan 15, 2008

Synopsis

Sex and love. Some seek it, some need it, some spurn it and some pay for it, but we’re all consumed by it. Set on one afternoon in Hampstead Heath, London, the film investigates the intimacies of seven couples: a divorcing couple discussing how they ever got together; a gay couple grappling with the decision to adopt; an old couple who realize they were once in love forty years ago; a young man making desperate attempts to get a young woman into bed; a happily married couple facing a dilemma; an awkward blind date between two forty-somethings; and one man who knows its all impossible and just prefers to pay for his affection.


Critique

A quiet day in a park in London. We’ve all been there in one way or another, in a park, in a mall, in any open place where there are other people around. You watch, you imagine what they might be saying to each other. It’s a great pastime, and Scenes of a Sexual Nature is that kind of observation taken a step further.

The film is a series of snapshots of different couples. These vignettes overlap, they are presented out of order; everything seems to be taking place at the same time. We have the older couple meting on the park bench, another couple that seems to meet randomly, until we find out that they are married. There is the gay couple, one who wants to adopt a child and open up their relationship and the other who wants to remain monogamous and has no interest in children. Each couple is like a fragment of a collective consciousness.

Scenes of a Sexual Nature has the feel of a filmed play. The park is the one location in the entire film, and we move from group to group, relationship to relationship. The writing is sharp. The performances are strong and bring the script to life, but the writing just crackles; the dialogue is excellent. This isn’t the most cinematic film you’re likely to see anytime soon, but it’s easily one of the most compelling.


Video

Scenes of a Sexual Nature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Earth tones dominate this film, and the picture is quite sharp. The color levels are expertly rendered, and the picture looks great.


Audio

This disc is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. The channels are clear and well balanced. The soundtrack is simple and straightforward, but the whole presentation is sharp.


Special Features

Filmmaker Commentary with Writer/Director Ed Blum and Writer Aschun Ditta: not the most informative commentary track, but this is entertaining enough, like overhearing two guys talking about time they spent together.

If We Build It They Will Come: The Making of Scenes of a Sexual Nature: an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, from the genesis of the story to casting, getting the financing and more. This covers all the bases.

Rounding out the extras is the theatrical trailer.


Final Thoughts

Scenes of a Sexual Nature is a sharply written film, well performed by the entire cast. The film feels like a filmed play, but like the man said, when the play is this good, it’s hard to complain.

VERDICT: RECOMMENDED

 

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Review posted on Feb 5, 2008 | Share this article | Top of Page

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