The Pornographer (1999)

I have to admit I wasn't going to watch this film thinking it was another "Skinemax" softcore film (which I needed like I need a hole in the head) but after reading the storyline I decided to at least see what it was about. I'm glad I did. I am somewhat into film-making also (not porn) so anything about indie film-making grabs my attention. I think if this film had been filled with nudity or exploitative (as it could've been) it would've lost me and I bet many others as viewers. (As one-sided as it was I liked "Breast Men" but I thought the naked breast between scene were simply there to sale an unneeded skin factor). This was a real story. If you like this you may like another film like it called "Diary of a Sex Addict". While not as good as this it really manages to keep you on the edge of your seat considering what happens to the main actor. Also it's shot in video which was great for the narrative although it tried to be a bit exploitive but managed to not really go there.I know people who have been addicted to porn so watching this film (both of them actually) really spoke to me. Another funny thing is when enough people know you own a video camera, someone will always eventually ask you would be willing to make a porn film. Porn is a very powerful drug. I love the way DeGood looked at the camera when it came in the mail and the scene between DeGood and the lawyer. She really takes him to task about it, but the way the scene ended was great too because she didn't hate him she just thought what he was doing was really sleazy and broke it down to him. I also loved his reaction which was somewhat of shame but this was something he really wanted to do. Very well directed. Another thing was watching him get his girls for the films. I had a laugh about it somewhat considering this is almost similar to how indie directors of non-porn films try to get actors. The most quiet of us can become Mr. Marketer when it comes to getting talent for a project. It's a great film and considering all the crap I've seen it's memorable.

There were many problems with the film, with plot threads that don't really go anywhere, some cheesy dialogue and daft ideas (that all male porn directors think they are making art - yeah right). However it succeeds in showing the reality of being a lonely male, and the various male needs that lead to use of porn. It looks at different sides of the argument but seems to come down fairly firmly against porn and the industry (the only decent characters are the anti-porn female boss and the naive actress). Makes a valid point that many men would deplore the treatment and exploitation of some women in the porn industry, yet enjoy watching the films. Although the production is pretty bad in some places, it does leave you pondering the issues, which means the film is a success.

Doug Atchinson deserves much more notice than indie filmmakers like Kevin Smith, Ed Burns, and Tarantino. Here he has created a film with great casting, acting, dialogue, plot, and pacing.What really makes this film gripping is DeGood's incredibly believable portrayal of a lonely, awkward, yet likeable young man.

This was a decent movie. It is unique in that the main character is very likable. He loves his dream of making something unique as a filmmaker and money lover. There are some great scenes that could actually be real. It is very realistic in parts and in other parts it is very dark,,,too dark in fact. So dark that you know that there is no way that this could actually be the way adult film making is. Boogie Nights and X Rated are far better. If you want to see a good independant film, this is a good rental. It's on the SUNDANCE channel quite often. Good for a weeknight view. It just doesn't deliver all the goods.