Speaking of Sex (2001)

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Very much in the "screwball" comedy genre, and a direct descendant of 'Bringing Up Baby', etc, films of this kind always walk a fine line between (as they say in 'Spinal Tap') clever and stupid. And the best ones will cross that line more than once during their running time, but in a way that makes the viewer laugh convulsively rather than roll their collective eyeballs and leave the cinema.'Speaking Of Sex' largely succeeds, in my opinion. But it is really only due to the collection of actors involved. It is most definitely held together almost entirely by some fabulous performances by the ensemble cast. James Spader, Bill Murray, Jay Mohr and Catherine O'Hara really shine in this one. A lesser group of talent would've buried the film. Thankfully, these actors make it work (or, at least, make it eminently watchable). But it does leave you with the feeling that someone should really write these actors something more worthy of their talents. If the script and direction had been sharper and the story more refined, with this innovative and talented cast, the movie could've easily been a comedy classic. It's just a shame that the material itself doesn't hold a candle to the actors who're giving it their all in bringing it to life. If someone could write these under-rated actors (particularly Spader and Murray) a really great script, I'm sure the result would be awesome. And more wholly deserving of the 7-out-of-10 rating I'm giving this picture.

This movie was similar in many ways to a French sex farce. So I guess you'll have to call this an American sex farce. The script was well thought-out, though there were a few characters which didn't get enough air time. James Spader played a neurotically geeky psychiatrist, which is a bit of a different character for him, as he usually plays sexual deviants. Good manic performances by Jay Mohr, Melora Walters, and Lara Flynn Boyle. Bill Murray and Catherine O'Hara also shown in their supporting roles. Phil Lamarr had a hilarious line, despite being only a cameo appearance. There were several intermingled stories playing all at once. It was well done because if one story started to drag, they could switch to another story to keep the interest fresh. This is really light-hearted stuff, but it did have some very subtle comic moments in places that you might miss if you don't watch it more than a couple of times, so watch it at least a couple of times.

I saw this movie at the Tribeca Film Festival, and it upsets me when good movies are not distributed in wide release.This movie is a fun and exciting experience with some outstanding performances by Bill Murray and Catherine O'Hara. While it might seem like a standard childish sex comedy, the writing and acting are much more intelligent and is sex-positive and witty at the same time.If you see this playing and want a fun time, go see it.

What's the deal with James Spader? Why does he always end up playing the incompetent boob with weird sexual fetishes? This superbly cast film is well-written and well-directed. The thing is, it doesn't really have any zingers, any defining moments. The talented James Spader (Crash) and Lara Flynn Boyle (The Practice) are two therapists that get emotionally involved with a troubled couple, the talented Melora Walters (Being John Malkovich) and a very down-to-earth Jay Mohr (SNL). Spader is particularly gifted through his mannerisms and uncomfortable demeanor, although Walters' performance as a simple and emotionally confused woman is equally amusing. As things between characters get complicated, the director does an excellent job of keeping the pacing going; the film never really loses momentum. The writing is based mostly on the situation, yet a couple of twists and subtleties really keep the viewer enguaged. Especially brilliant is Bill Murrary (Groundhog Day) who steals scenes from Phil LaMarr (MAD TV) and Catherine O'Hara (SCTV) with his exaggerated delivery. Furthermore, the director uses several manic cuts and tricks to keep the images fresh. The only real sore points stem from the fact that there isn't much TO the movie. It's hard to find an emotional connection with any one character, such that by the end, you're more interested in seeing what will happen as opposed to hoping for happy fates. Furthermore, the script's humour is mostly character-based; there aren't really any lines that bowl you over or stick in your head. But the dialogue is well-scripted and well-delivered. This movie isn't really a romantic comedy; but a piece of good entertainment for several demographics. It's got a Snatch feel with a Zoolander comedic touch. Great entertainment for an afternoon and a definite renter if you want to laugh a bit. James Spader forever.