Lloyd Bayer
Just watched this multi-layered indie mockumentary called Black & White & Sex. Beautifully shot in monochrome using multiple cameras with several women posing as 'Angie', a sex worker. The supposed interview talks about sex as a commodity but within parameters of morality, submission, power-play and erotism. Then it opens up into classy film noir laced with wicked humor. Unconventionally fresh as a film consciously narrated within a film, this is topnotch crotch talk and a rare Aussie gem crafted with style and a bit of acquired taste.Amongst the eight actresses who play Angie, I can't think of anyone who stands out because they are all brilliant, each carrying the discussion forward until it reaches a climax (pun unintended). The discussion itself is written and filmed as a documentary where the premise is about prostitution and all its highs and lows as a profession. We don't see the director and I suspect this was intentional. More so because the director (or the unseen) also represents us, the audience, with all our perceptions about prostitution and its moral implications (or lack of). The best part of the film is not what happens in the end, but the power-play between Angie and the director. Metaphorically, it's something like sex, where each partner takes turns in dominating the other, until both reach a 'happing ending'. The reason why this film is shot in black and white is just astounding and another metaphor that reveals itself once we arrive at the inner most layer of the discussion.Black & White & Sex is highly recommended as a brilliant film that not only tries to eliminate the taboo behind prostitution, but reiterates why it is sometimes a necessary evil. It's all about perception and what sex means to anyone watching this film, be it consummated, consensual or means to self-gratification. Best served with oysters!
angiris
I've been searching for quite a while for a film that reminded me of Investigating Sex / Intimate Affairs with Dermot Mulrooney and Robin Tunney and it seems I've found a film that actually managed to supersede that. This film is ever so interesting not just because of the intense content displayed through words but also because the input you actually gain in the process. And lets face it... Listening to a prostitute talking about her experiences is really damn interesting... This film is catchy, never loses your attention, doesn't grow dull for a split second, and best of all... it doesn't turn into some cheap film where the director feels he needs to display some very explicit sexual content in order to satisfy his viewers. It starts out as a work of art and doesn't stray from that path throughout the entire film. Sure thing... certain features are revealed but its done so in a way that doesn't seem cliché or stereotypical in my own opinion.The film is definitely worth a look. Real candy for both your eyes and ears if you like films like the one I mentioned in the beginning and films that concern sex but doesn't get lost in it or simply said turn into it because the director lost his own focus in the process hah.. This is quality stuff and worth a look without question. It's shot in black and white as the title also points at. The acting is pretty good and convincing. There is only one single setting through the entire film which is very interesting actually... It depicts an actual interview with a bunch of prostitutes and previously mentioned it is convincing and thus interesting. You won't regret watching this unless you're incapable of talking or listening to people talking about sex.Highly recommendable. 7 out of 10. A great film. Interesting input. Catchy subject. Solid acting.
to_see_you_smile_again
What is wrong with Australian cinema-goers? This is an amazing example of our talented industry: The script, the cinematography and the actresses all blew me away. The director has made a bold statement regarding censorship, about what we can see and hear and why that is. After watching this movie last night, I'm still thinking about it the next morning, and will continue to do so for many days - now that is a sign of a good film. If you've missed it at the movies, wait until it's on DVD and buy it. We need to support our struggling film industry. We need to get behind talented directors and actresses like these, and we need to make more intellectual movies like these.
harry-90
This is a truly wonderful film, made in the true spirit of inventive, exciting indie filmmaking. John Winter, the director/writer of the piece (some folks would call that an 'auteur') has an impressive slate of producing credits (Rabbit Proof Fence, Doin' Time for Patsy Cline) but this is the first time he has taken charge of all the principal creative elements of a feature film - and he does an amazing job. He has assembled a truly wonderful cast of Australia's most interesting and versatile female actors, to deliver an exciting, sexy, intriguing, and riveting 90 minutes of sheer brilliance. The film is brave and unusual - challenging, yet easy to go with - I was blown away by it. The wonderful Valerie Bader is sensational, and the black and white photography adds an element to the whole piece that a colour shoot would have lost. The casting director Dina Mann (Head On, Japanese Story, Mallboy) has done a magnificent job here and deserves special mention. Go and see this film - support it - tell distributors and exhibitors to get behind this film - the Australian film industry desperately NEEDS unique films like this to drag it out of its torpor.
AD
