How do erotic films explore the tension between reality and surrealism?
Erotic films often involve sexual acts that take place within realistic settings. This means that these movies typically feature people who are naked or engaged in various sexual activities while adhering to rules of space, time, logic, and physics. At the same time, some erotic films also incorporate elements of dreamlike fantasy into their storylines, creating an uncanny feeling for viewers. Surrealism refers to the blurring of boundaries between what is possible and impossible, rational and irrational, or conscious and subconscious. Erotic films can use this quality to create moments of heightened tension between characters or to challenge viewers' expectations about how sexual desire should be expressed.
Consider the film "Showgirls" starring Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone, a dancer from Las Vegas who struggles to make it big in Hollywood. In one scene, Nomi has sex with her boss Zack Carey (Kyle MacLachlan) while a band performs behind them. The setting is technically realistic because both Nomi and Zack are fully clothed, but the music and dancers add a dreamlike element that creates a strange atmosphere for the audience. Similarly, in "Basic Instinct," Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone) seduces a police officer by offering him sex while wearing only lingerie, which creates a sensual moment even though the situation itself seems unlikely. By contrast, the movie "9½ Weeks" features scenes of explicit sexual activity between Elizabeth McNeil (Mickey Rourke) and John Gray (Kim Basinger), who have a passionate affair full of intense emotions but no surrealist elements.
Another way that erotic films explore reality vs. surreality is through character development.
In the film "Blue Is the Warmest Color" directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, Adele (Adele Exarchopoulos) falls in love with Emma (Lea Seydoux) after seeing her at a party. Their relationship develops over several years, including some intense sexual encounters that involve elements of pain or power play. These moments can be jarring for viewers since they do not fit into traditional ideas about healthy romance.
Other scenes feature mundane conversations between the women about their lives and relationships, giving them a sense of reality despite the unusual nature of their bond.
Erotic films often use lighting, camera angles, and editing techniques to create tension between realism and surrealism. In "Eyes Wide Shut," Stanley Kubrick's last film, Tom Cruise plays Dr. Bill Harford who visits a costume party where he sees his wife Alice (Nicole Kidman) flirting with another man. The scene is shot mostly in dim lighting with slow motion effects that give it an almost dreamlike quality. At the same time, there are also moments when the characters interact naturally with each other as if they were not drunk or high. This blurring of boundaries creates confusion for viewers who may wonder what is really happening onscreen.
Erotic films often incorporate both realistic settings and surrealist elements to explore the dynamics of desire and intimacy. By combining these two qualities, filmmakers can create powerful stories that challenge audiences' expectations about sex and relationships.
How do erotic films explore the tension between reality and surrealism?
Erotic films have been known to explore various themes related to sex, including the relationship between reality and surrealism. Surrealist elements often appear in these movies as a way of subverting social norms and challenging viewer's expectations about what is considered acceptable sexual behavior.