VCRs are still lies, only sex is real

Jaime 2022-04-22 07:01:32

In Soderbergh's famous work, several protagonists live lives supported by lies, and the videotape witnesses people's lies and truths like a priest in a confessional room, and provides a channel for redemption - people are in succession in Under the guidance of the male protagonist Graham, he opened his heart to this emotionless machine and disclosed his most private sexual details. In the end, Graham himself also dug into the video recorder for the secrets buried deep in his heart - it seemed that they learned from it. Liberation, but where does this redemption lead? Presumably not heaven.

As we all know, the essence of the camera is to record and communicate, and every act will become history and may be widely disseminated. But this danger did not become an obstacle for the characters, but stimulated their desire to talk. Just as a person talks to himself in front of a mirror, on the one hand, the reflection he sees in front of the camera is his own image—he is a confession to his heart; on the other hand, he faces countless possible viewings He knows that "someone is looking at me" and subconsciously wants to be spied on by others, and this possibility makes them happier and thus better present themselves. The camera seems to be more objective and pure than the psychiatrist, without personal criticism, but it actually represents a stronger social and moral orientation behind it. The redemption that people hope for is not the redemption of their own souls, but the identity of a normal person in the eyes of others/society.

What emerges here is especially the women photographed by the male protagonists, who are made accomplices by the camera, who, like men, treat their sexuality and bodies as a spectacle. And the rather feminine (impotent) Graham finally sat in front of the camera like a woman, and the only male protagonist John did not get the pardon of the public power represented by the camera.

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Extended Reading
  • Hillary 2021-12-22 08:01:17

    The actor looks really like Feng Shaofeng.

  • Elvie 2021-12-22 08:01:17

    It seems to explore many levels: desire, privacy, prying eyes, psychological defects, scars, media intrusion, ethical relations... It seems that it is difficult for the United States to return to the small-cost glory of the time.

Sex, Lies, and Videotape quotes

  • Cynthia: If Ann got freaked out by these, there must be something sexual: are these tapes of you having sex with these girls?

    Graham: No, not exactly.

    Cynthia: Well, either you are or your aren't; which is it?

    Graham: Why don't you let me tape you?

    Cynthia: Doing what?

    Graham: Talking.

    Cynthia: About what?

    Graham: About sex... your sexual history, sexual preferences.

    Cynthia: What makes you think I'd discuss that with you?

    Graham: Nothing.

    Cynthia: Hmm. And you just want to ask me questions?

    Graham: I just want to ask you questions.

    Cynthia: That's all.

    Graham: That's all.

    Cynthia: Is this how you get off or something? Taping women talking about their sexual experiences?

    Graham: Yes.

  • Ann: I want out of this marriage.

    John Mullany: What?

    Ann: I. Want. Out. Of. This. *Marriage.*