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Beyond Vanilla

2003, Movie, NR, 91 mins

Beyond Vanilla: Review

BEYOND VANILLA
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Though this frank documentary about extreme sexual practices comes with a cautionary message, it could perhaps use a stronger one. Something like, "Performed by professionals in a controlled environment — do not try this at home!" First-time filmmaker Claes Lilja started out to make a film about the hanky code (a system of sexual semaphore signals involving colored bandannas), but branched out to explore a broad spectrum of exotic carnal behaviors through interviews and demonstrations. His subjects range from professionals — porn stars, escorts and dominatrixes — to florists, lawyers and other enthusiastic amateurs. Their ideas of fun are diverse and sometimes slightly alarming, though all Lilja's interviewees are admirably emphatic about the need for communication, consideration and informed consent when couples (not that they limit their ideas to couples) take their bedroom (not that the bedroom is the only suitable locale) activities beyond vanilla. Among the tamer topics are bondage, role playing, gender adventuring and the use of various paraphernalia; in fact, certain scenarios require so much equipment that they begin to resemble certain kinds of high-end baking and, as such, look like an awful lot of work. By the time one articulate and methodical thrill-seeker has finished hooking up the titillating "purple wand" in such a way that his own body becomes an electrical conductor and his fingertips impart a mild shock, some viewers might be convinced that it's easier to light a few candles and put on some music. In fact, several of the more theatrical practices look as though they might be more fun to watch than enact. The film is unquestionably educational: If nothing else, one comes away with a certain respect for the dedication true kinkiness demands. Its explicitness will be off putting to certain viewers and the variety of behaviors almost guarantees something to offend everyone. It would, however, benefit from fewer interstitial shots of the director (who once aspired to be an actor) chirping questions like, "What is sex?" leave a comment --Maitland McDonagh
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