Erotic magazines have been around for centuries, offering readers an opportunity to explore their fantasies through photographs, illustrations, and stories. While they are often dismissed as trashy or vulgar, these publications have had a significant impact on visual culture, particularly in the realm of film. In this essay, we will explore the ways that erotic magazines have influenced the development of eroticism in film, examining the themes, styles, and techniques that have carried over from print to screen. History of Erotic Magazines
The history of erotic magazines is closely tied to the history of photography itself. The first known erotic magazine, titled L'Art de la photographie, appeared in France in 1892. It featured nude photographs of women and was quickly banned due to its explicit nature. This censorship did little to deter the publishing industry, which continued to produce magazines featuring sexually suggestive images throughout the early 20th century. These publications, such as Playboy and Penthouse, were aimed at men and presented sexuality as a commodity that could be consumed and enjoyed by anyone with enough money. However, they also played a role in shaping cultural attitudes towards sexuality, encouraging men to objectify women and see them solely as objects of desire. Themes in Erotic Magazines
Erotic magazines often feature a variety of themes, including bondage, dominance, submission, and fetishism. These themes can be seen in films that incorporate elements of BDSM, such as Fifty Shades of Grey (2015). Other common themes include voyeurism, exhibitionism, and group sex. In the 1970s, feminist activists criticized these magazines for their portrayal of women as passive and submissive, but many filmmakers have embraced these themes, using them to explore power dynamics and gender roles. For example, the 2013 film Secretary, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader, features an office romance between two consenting adults who explore BDSM together. Styles in Erotic Magazines
Erotic magazines are known for their use of explicit imagery and storytelling techniques, often employing a combination of text and visuals to create a sensual experience for readers. This approach has influenced filmmaking in several ways. For example, directors such as Steven Soderbergh have used slow motion and close-up shots to emphasize sexual tension and intimacy in their films. Additionally, erotic magazine photographers often use lighting and framing to enhance the allure of their subjects, a technique that is often imitated in mainstream films like Basic Instinct (1992) and Showgirls (1995). Techniques in Erotic Magazines
In addition to their focus on explicit imagery, erotic magazines also rely heavily on suggestive language and narrative devices. The articles in these publications may be written from the first person or use dialogue to convey sexual encounters, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the reader. These techniques can be found in many mainstream films, including Eyes Wide Shut (19999) and Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013), which both feature scenes of explicit sex acts.