Before he captivated television audiences with (in this author’s humble opinion) one of the greatest television shows ever made — the pulsating, sensuous “The Knick” — Steven Soderbergh began something of an indie revolution with his debut film “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” in 1989.
Known as an incredibly hands-on director (and editor, cinematographer, screenwriter, and producer — using various pseudonyms on his projects for each position) since his first film, Soderbergh’s career would perhaps not have taken the same shape without this Palme d’Or-winning masterpiece. Starring James Spader, Andie MacDowell, Laura San Giacomo, and Peter Gallagher, “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” is an iconic look into the secret lives of relationships and affairs. It’s raw emotion and challenging sex scenes paved the way for the cinema of the years to come.
In this new video essay by Hello Wizard, the concepts of Soderbergh’s revolutionary film are itemized, and we learn more about the intricacies of the behind-the-scenes work. “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” marks Soderbergh’s first pairing with composer Cliff Martinez and the first taste of the talent the filmmaker would showcase in the years to come. Watch below.
Wow, this analysis is incredibly lazy. Just an embarrassment that someone would connect their name to this, and to the writer, for linking it.