The Girlfriend Experience

[Amnesiac]

...

[Spaceman Spiff]

wtf

[[ETM]]

Should be interesting.

[chrisnu]

Pretty visuals. I'll wait for some reviews.

[Raiders]

Sounds cool. I'm there. Annoying trailer, though.

[Ivan Drago]

This and The Informant in one year? Could be a good year for Soderbergh.

[Ezee E]

See it with someone I ****?

[Ezee E]

Love and/or fuck.
Right, but it's just the point of it being there.

[number8]

I loves me some Sasha Grey.

[[ETM]]

I loves me some Sasha Grey.

I love her long time.

[Sycophant]

Sasha Grey seems to insist on staying around for quite some time yet.

I'm game for this movie.

[DavidSeven]

This looks like one of those Steven Soderbergh movies that everyone says they're interested in but no one ends up seeing. Oh wait, that's all of his post-Traffic, non-Ocean movies.

[Ezee E]

This looks like one of those Steven Soderbergh movies that everyone says they're interested in but no one ends up seeing. Oh wait, that's all of his post-Traffic, non-Ocean movies.
Wow, you're right. Solaris was the only one that received decent distribution, but that wasn't even seen either.

I blame it on the distribution though. Many more would've seen Che and The Good German had they been given more than 100 screens.

He also hasn't made a good movie besides the non-Ocean movies. I have yet to see Che though, and I think that will be an exception.

[Sxottlan]

I don't know how much mainstream appeal Sasha Grey can really have as opposed to Jenna Jameson.

For me, it's her eyes. She looks dead inside.

[[ETM]]

I don't know how much mainstream appeal Sasha Grey can really have as opposed to Jenna Jameson.

Jenna Jameson is 35, gave birth, and hasn't "worked" in ages.


For me, it's her eyes. She looks dead inside.

I don't think I need to say anything.

[Ezee E]

Without the mainstream knowledge, I'd say Sasha Grey has a better chance of crossing over compared to her predecessors that simply get horrible (hardy har har) roles each time.

[number8]

Hold on a second. Sasha Grey isn't exactly crossing over. She's still doing porn and doesn't plan to stop.

[right_for_the_moment]

I'm not sure which is worse, the video stopping every 3 seconds, the text bubbles, or listening to tyra banks talk

[Qrazy]

More Sasha Grey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_bRPoUPBJ0&feature=related

Youtube Comments (in response to rants about God and morality):

Wasn't Jesus fucking a whore bag?
I bet she drank his piss and everything... Jesus himself was just taking full advantage of a poor troubled girl, and stuffing her full of throbbing holy cock in the process.

---

Oh dear.

[Sycophant]

Really? It's got some misogyny, profanity, and a hateful anti-/pro-religion rant, but it doesn't have any jingoism, homophobia, obvious anti-semitism, or any other kind of racism. So it doesn't rank on my most offensive YouTube comments, really.

[DavidSeven]

I find that you usually see this kind of stuff primarily in two places: public bathroom stalls and the internet.

That's probably the best analogy Ive seen on this.

Anonymous Comments Section = Internet Version of the Bathroom Stall

[Kurosawa Fan]

Just found out this has a one night only premiere on HDNet Movies on May 22nd. I'll be setting my DVR as soon as possible.

[trotchky]

I walked past a line of people waiting to see this the other day.

[megladon8]

I had never come into this thread before so I knew nothing about this project.

I saw the trailer. Saw Sasha Grey.

It's not in my top 5 most anticipated of the year.

[ledfloyd]

it's not bad. if you want to find something about it to love, there's plenty there, if you want to find something about it to hate, there's plenty there as well. review on blog (gestures towards sig)

[Ezee E]

Ebert gave it four stars:


Chelsea is played by Sasha Grey. She is 21. Since 2006, according to IMDb, she's made 161 porn films, of which only the first title can be quoted here: "Sasha Grey Superslut." No, here's another, which makes me smile: "My First Porn #7." I haven't seen any of them, but now I would like to see one, watching very carefully, to see if she suggests more than one level.

[number8]

I wanna see this movie. :sad:

[amberlita]

it was on HDNet movies last night. not very impressive.

[Rowland]

Her five favorite movies: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/girlfriend_experience/news/1822420/five_favorite_films_with_adult _film_star_sasha_grey

Not bad, even if it may be posing.

[Sycophant]

Can we as a society handle a mainstream actress who still keeps a foot (or something) in the world of pornography? She's unapologetic about her usual source of income, and shows no desire to quiet. Should be interest to see where her career goes from here.

[Ezee E]

Can we as a society handle a mainstream actress who still keeps a foot (or something) in the world of pornography? She's unapologetic about her usual source of income, and shows no desire to quiet. Should be interest to see where her career goes from here.
I'll say that since this movie isn't going to be seen by anyone, she'll remain who she was before, and nobody will have even noticed.

[Grouchy]

Her five favorite movies: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/girlfriend_experience/news/1822420/five_favorite_films_with_adult _film_star_sasha_grey

Not bad, even if it may be posing.
Awesome.

[number8]

I love her. :(

[Bosco B Thug]

Her five favorite movies: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/girlfriend_experience/news/1822420/five_favorite_films_with_adult _film_star_sasha_grey

Not bad, even if it may be posing. Hmmm.

I must say, the Fat Girl makes it. I would love to watch Fat Girl with her. It would get us both in a really vulnerable state of mind... Haha.

[Boner M]

"OMG, Godard like totally broke all the rules!"

[balmakboor]

Her five favorite movies: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/girlfriend_experience/news/1822420/five_favorite_films_with_adult _film_star_sasha_grey

Not bad, even if it may be posing.

My god! She's like a movie geek's ultimate wet dream.

[Ezee E]

Seems like a test project to see if Sasha Grey has the chops to do a better movie.

She can.

But it's really just conversation after conversation concerning either the economy, suggesting how she do her business, or building clients. Basically what guys would say to their girlfriends. After a while, Sasha gets bored, and so do we.

Nice visuals for such a small movie though. Hope to see Sasha do more.

[trotchky]

Stay the fuck out of New York, Soderbergh. Go back to Hollywood where you belong.

[trotchky]

The above is my gut-reaction to this movie.

It's un-bad, but if Steven Soderbergh had any balls he would have cast himself as either Glenn Kenny or the interviewer.

[baby doll]

Ebert gave it four stars:Yeah, I found his review just a little too knowing about why some men pay for sex. I mean, did he really glean all that just from the film?

Glenn Kenny = awesome.

[MacGuffin]

Glenn Kenny = awesome.

Have you ever read his blog, Some Came Running? It's awesome. Just about the only reason I'd bother seeing this movie, if at all.

[baby doll]

Have you ever read his blog, Some Came Running? It's awesome. Just about the only reason I'd bother seeing this movie, if at all.I haven't read it regularly, but his character in the movie is awesomely sleazy. What's that line? "The best thing about it is that it feels like white slavery"?

[NickGlass]

Stay the fuck out of New York, Soderbergh. Go back to Hollywood where you belong.

What did he do to NYC?

[number8]

I tried to watch this over the weekend. Comcast told me I can't order any movies until I pay my past due balance. Guess I need to pay my bills. :sad:

[trotchky]

What did he do to NYC?

Nothing, which is kind of the problem. Why do people drive cars everywhere? I'm wondering if Soderbergh has ever left the limousine long enough to realize that New Yorkers--the ones who aren't obscenely wealthy--either walk or take the subway. Plus, you can't fucking drive in Manhattan and keep your sanity. It just can't be done. Look at the taxi drivers, for god's sake.

That's just the tip of the iceberg, though. The movie might as well have been set in LA. It's shot after shot of people in luxurious penthouses, luxurious offices, or luxurious restaurants. Setting a movie about the ailing economy that focuses solely on the rich in Manhattan is pretty offensive just because it reeks of ignorance; NYC is a place where class divisions and the mechanisms of capitalism from top to bottom are more visible than any other place in the western world, and Soderbergh chooses to show us only the hand-wringing men at the very top.

To wit, my problem is not that the movie is about rich people, it's that Soderbergh's documentary-realism barely acknowledges anything outside of that bubble, and it smacks of cultural ignorance, or at the very least ignorance to the manners and rhythms of the city.

[NickGlass]

Nothing, which is kind of the problem. Why do people drive cars everywhere? I'm wondering if Soderbergh has ever left the limousine long enough to realize that New Yorkers--the ones who aren't obscenely wealthy--either walk or take the subway. Plus, you can't fucking drive in Manhattan and keep your sanity. It just can't be done. Look at the taxi drivers, for god's sake.

That's just the tip of the iceberg, though. The movie might as well have been set in LA. It's shot after shot of people in luxurious penthouses, luxurious offices, or luxurious restaurants. Setting a movie about the ailing economy that focuses solely on the rich in Manhattan is pretty offensive just because it reeks of ignorance; NYC is a place where class divisions and the mechanisms of capitalism from top to bottom are more visible than any other place in the western world, and Soderbergh chooses to show us only the hand-wringing men at the very top.

To wit, my problem is not that the movie is about rich people, it's that Soderbergh's documentary-realism barely acknowledges anything outside of that bubble, and it smacks of cultural ignorance, or at the very least ignorance to the manners and rhythms of the city.

I do not like the film, but I feel like defending it against every misunderstood point you make here.

Let's just say the ignorance is absolutely deliberate. The lead is an extremely high-end escort named "Chelsea." Why wouldn't she be surrounded by chilly glass, fancy wine and limos? If anything, I find the elite, insular setting to be the most successful aspect of the film.

[Qrazy]

I tried to watch this over the weekend. Comcast told me I can't order any movies until I pay my past due balance. Guess I need to pay my bills. :sad:

Or engage in identity theft.

[Ezee E]

I almost wanted to say that this is the men's fantasyworld instead of The Hangover. All the men have nice interior decoration, the girl, being able to fly to Vegas on a whim, etc.

The discussion has sort of come up, but I don't find it offensive that it stayed with the wealthy people in NYC. It wouldn't make sense to venture outside of the group considering nobody would be able to afford the "girlfriend experience" on a normal salary. Even the personal trainer was one of the more successful ones in the area. Plus, he was awful whenever he was on screen anyway.

[number8]

The subject fascinates me. Not having seen the movie, I do want to say that it's true that the "business" doesn't really exist outside of a luxurious rich environment, not just because of being able to afford the girls, but because there's no point otherwise.

From the accounts I've read, and from observing a couple of girls I personally know who are actually doing this, it's not about the money for them. It's about shunning a typical romantic relationship in order to simulate a lavish dating experience. So the business is not like "Pay me and I'll pretend to be your girlfriend whenever you like." For the girls, it's about having a man to give her impressive gifts, drive her in dreamy cars, and have impromptu flights to exotic places at the drop of a hat.

My friend who does this, for example, doesn't really take money from the men she goes on dates with, but she likes having these successful men take her out on a dinner to places she wouldn't otherwise be able to afford. Like, it's the middle of the night, and a "client" would text her asking her to meet him. She dresses up, goes to meet him, and boom, she would suddenly find herself in a gorgeous loft or an exclusive club, being introduced to really impressive and successful people. It's that lifestyle excitement that the profession is about, and so other classes don't really apply to their world.

Does the film communicate that, at least?

[trotchky]

I do not like the film, but I feel like defending it against every misunderstood point you make here.

Let's just say the ignorance is absolutely deliberate. The lead is an extremely high-end escort named "Chelsea." Why wouldn't she be surrounded by chilly glass, fancy wine and limos? If anything, I find the elite, insular setting to be the most successful aspect of the film.

You're right. I think my objection is more that there's no "control group" in the film--nothing to contrast the elite lifestyle with. You could say that one isn't needed, that of course we know there are poor people and middle class people in New York City, and that's true, but the film's pretense of Meet The Press-esque objectivity is what gets me.

A lot of time, most of the time, is spent listening to these very articulate people offer their thoughts and concerns about the economy and the businesses they run and their careers. And, like, that's pretty much all there is. That's as deep as the human element goes. And we never really see these people hurting, in any tangible way, until the last scene, which is sweet, but comes off as too little, too late.

I don't know, maybe I'm just not used to seeing rich people portrayed the way they'd want to be portrayed--calm, professional, articulate. Although, now that I think about it, maybe the whole "girlfriend experience" is meant to be the element that undermines all that...but something tells me if it is, it's not effective enough.

[Ezee E]

The subject fascinates me. Not having seen the movie, I do want to say that it's true that the "business" doesn't really exist outside of a luxurious rich environment, not just because of being able to afford the girls, but because there's no point otherwise.

From the accounts I've read, and from observing a couple of girls I personally know who are actually doing this, it's not about the money for them. It's about shunning a typical romantic relationship in order to simulate a lavish dating experience. So the business is not like "Pay me and I'll pretend to be your girlfriend whenever you like." For the girls, it's about having a man to give her impressive gifts, drive her in dreamy cars, and have impromptu flights to exotic places at the drop of a hat.

My friend who does this, for example, doesn't really take money from the men she goes on dates with, but she likes having these successful men take her out on a dinner to places she wouldn't otherwise be able to afford. Like, it's the middle of the night, and a "client" would text her asking her to meet him. She dresses up, goes to meet him, and boom, she would suddenly find herself in a gorgeous loft or an exclusive club, being introduced to really impressive and successful people. It's that lifestyle excitement that the profession is about, and so other classes don't really apply to their world.

Does the film communicate that, at least?
Sort of. There's an argument between Sasha and her boyfriend about it, and we never really see Sasha use the money she gets. But I would have liked to see the movie focus on that, because at least the movie would be about something. Plus, Sasha was more than capable of handling that.

I really hope she does some more movies.

[Benny Profane]

Saw this last night. I don't even think Soderbergh knows what this movie is about, because it's a lot of loose threads and themes. But I mostly liked it.

[NickGlass]

The subject fascinates me[...]It's that lifestyle excitement that the profession is about, and so other classes don't really apply to their world.

Does the film communicate that, at least?

Eh, tacitly, I suppose. The main theme, I believe, is that all human relationships have lost all genuine feeling and essentially become a constant series of business negotiations.

I like everything about this movie except the movie itself.

[Watashi]

The "plane scenes" were the worst part of the film.

[Benny Profane]

The "plane scenes" were the worst part of the film.

At least they contributed to the "plot/themes". The drawn-out shots of amateur street performers were just unintriguing filler. I mean, the movie is only 75 minutes long.

[Ezee E]

The "plane scenes" were the worst part of the film.
AWFUL.

And Benny's right too, but at least they were only 20-30 seconds long.

[number8]

Maybe I should start thanking Comcast for not letting me see this.

[Benny Profane]

Maybe I should start thanking Comcast for not letting me see this.

How do you mean? I watched it on Comcast.

[trotchky]

I don't see how the plane scenes were worse than any of the other scenes, other than the lighting being retarded.

[Ezee E]

I don't see how the plane scenes were worse than any of the other scenes, other than the lighting being retarded.
No Sasha for one.

[eternity]

I don't see how the plane scenes were worse than any of the other scenes, other than the lighting being retarded.
Everyone on the plane was obnoxious. That doesn't make the scenes bad, but they also seemed out of place and brought nothing to the film as a whole.

[trotchky]

Everyone in the movie was obnoxious. Also, I fail to see how a group of businessmen talking to each other about the economy is out of place in a movie about businessmen talking about the economy.

[baby doll]

Also, I fail to see how a group of businessmen talking to each other about the economy is out of place in a movie about businessmen talking about the economy.I didn't think it was out of place, but it didn't go anywhere in terms of narrative. He goes to Vegas, and... he has a good time. Boring.

[NickGlass]

I didn't think it was out of place, but it didn't go anywhere in terms of narrative. He goes to Vegas, and... he has a good time. Boring.

Nothing that occurs in the movie really matters. It never transcends the concepts that Soderberg dangles.

[baby doll]

Nothing that occurs in the movie really matters. It never transcends the concepts that Soderberg dangles.I think the sub-plot with the Erotic Connoisseur goes somewhere. He tries to sell her on his Dubai white slavery trip, and when she doesn't go along, he writes a bad review of her.

[trotchky]

I think the sub-plot with the Erotic Connoisseur goes somewhere. He tries to sell her on his Dubai white slavery trip, and when she doesn't go along, he writes a bad review of her.

Who cares, though? All it really amounts to is Sasha Grey being given the opportunity to show off her acting chops by crying.

[baby doll]

Who cares, though? All it really amounts to is Sasha Grey being given the opportunity to show off her acting chops by crying.Given how flat and uninflected most of the performances are, and how Soderbergh objectifies his characters by filming them in long shot with a static camera, and often backlights them so we can't make out their faces, this doesn't strike me as a very actorly film. And in interviews, Soderbergh talks about Grey as a non-professional actor who's simply playing herself, like a character in a De Sica film, rather than a cross-over talent who's going to be making more mainstream films. Anyway, why am I bothering? Clearly from the tone of your statement, you had it out for the film no matter what, and weren't willing to give it a fair shot.

[trotchky]

Given how flat and uninflected most of the performances are, and how Soderbergh objectifies his characters by filming them in long shot with a static camera, and often backlights them so we can't make out their faces, this doesn't strike me as a very actorly film. And in interviews, Soderbergh talks about Grey as a non-professional actor who's simply playing herself, like a character in a De Sica film, rather than a cross-over talent who's going to be making more mainstream films.

I'll accept that it's "not a very actorly film"; still, Soderbergh was clearly going for some emotional impact with Grey's character. I think you're right, that in a movie about transactions most of the actors (intentionally) never drop this veneer of professionalism, but Grey is the point where that veneer breaks down because she is, more literally than anyone else in the film, selling herself.

The subplot you mentioned, as well as the one where she leaves her boyfriend for a "client" both seem intent on bringing humanity to the character and her situation. Also, Grey isn't a prostitute in real life, she's a porn star, so I don't accept that she's "simply playing herself." Soderbergh can say whatever he wants in interviews; I don't buy that this isn't, at least in part, a vehicle for Sasha Grey to branch out into more "legitimate" forms of entertainment.


Anyway, why am I bothering? Clearly from the tone of your statement, you had it out for the film no matter what, and weren't willing to give it a fair shot.

It's clear from the tone of my statement, huh? Cool.

[baby doll]

Also, Grey isn't a prostitute in real life, she's a porn star, so I don't accept that she's "simply playing herself." Soderbergh can say whatever he wants in interviews; I don't buy that this isn't, at least in part, a vehicle for Sasha Grey to branch out into more "legitimate" forms of entertainment.You think there's that big a difference between a porn star and a prostitute? Isn't it all having sex with people for money? In the interview I read with Soderbergh, he also said he didn't give her lines because that's where non-professionals stumble--remembering lines. He basically told the actors to say whatever they would say in that situation. So I don't see her going on to play characters who aren't at least similar to herself in real life. Maybe Grey thinks so, but if she does, she's as big of a bumpkin as her character.

[number8]

You think there's that big a difference between a porn star and a prostitute? Isn't it all having sex with people for money?

So are most marriages.

[trotchky]

You think there's that big a difference between a porn star and a prostitute? Isn't it all having sex with people for money?

I don't think I'm in a position to say, having never worked in either industry.

[BuffaloWilder]

Did not enjoy this -



No matter how you try to incorporate it into the story, a bad actress is a bad actress, and Sasha Grey is a terrible actress. This felt ‘unfinished,’ kind of – superfluous shots, sprinkled here and there throughout the visual monotony that Soderbergh sets up. How do you segue directly from something so well put-together as "Che" into this?

[Dukefrukem]

What was in the package left on the kitchen counter?