1. by: shelby, atia, and mercedes

2.  themes of sexual repression, impotence (sex), denial, (lies), and therapy (videotape) taboo issues context of the ‘80s era  circumstance of production budget constraints  auto-biographical? sex, lies, and videotape is an independent film because of the contentious themes it undertakes. In keeping with the spirit of independent films, Soderbergh made this one with the intention of critiquing society based on his own psychological experience.

3. paranoia, impotence, and repression

4.  greatest health-related scare of our time  UK government launched ‘biggest public health campaign’  ominous advertisements on TV, cinemas, press, and leaflets

5.  “Men learn to love the women they are attracted to, and women become more and more attracted to the person they love” – Graham quoting unknown  Woman: sex as an act of love Ann did not want John to touch her “Woman don’t want it (sex) for the same reason men think they do” – Ann  Men: competitively and to feel good “As soon as you got a ring on your finger, you get the most spectacular attention from the opposite gender” -John “She’s good in bed and can keep a secret, that’s all I can say about her” - John John’s relationship with Cynthia based on sex

6.  Ann: sexually repressed conservative “I wouldn’t miss it (sex)” -Ann “I think sex is overrated… I think people place far too much importance on it” – Ann “I tried once but it just seems so stupid… a dumb thing to do” – Ann “You just ask them questions?” – Ann “I couldn’t even do it in front of John” - Ann

7. Cynthia: comfortable with her sexual side promiscuous “I think you’re afraid he’ll (Graham) be undeniably drawn to me” – Cynthia “I wanted him to see me” – Cynthia “It bothers me when I think about men because I know that’s the way she (Cynthia) thinks” - Ann

8.  “I’m impotent”  “Does that bother you?” “No”  “Does it make you feel subconscious?” “Not usually.. Not the same way you (Ann) are”

9.  represents fertility no plants at Graham’s house (impotence)  exchange between John and Cynthia before they have sex (gift)

10. John goes to Cynthia’s house and viewer is introduced to their relationship

11. Cynthia goes over to John/Ann’s home and has sex at their house for the first time “Is it for me?” - Cynthia

12. denial

13.  Outright/hiding the truth John Cynthia  Denial Ann

14. “I think it's gonna rain.” “ It is raining.” “Perhaps he senses your hesitance at being touched. “ “But that's the weird thing, because he started not touching me before I started feelin' like that. “

15.  “Mr Apostle of Truth!” –John  “I was a pathological liar. Or I am, I should say.” -Graham

16.  medium of videotape commentary on film industry as a whole  larger implications: society can’t address sexual anxieties and issues  would that make us all liars?

17. therapy

18.  Therapy was a private matter, thus admitting your participation in therapy uncommon.  Videotape works as a therapy because it captures the truth of the moment  Ann and Graham are the main protagonists with overwhelming issues

19.  Beginning With Therapy Unsatisfied with marriage and intimate life Only one open with personal problems  Ann’s Videotape Ann begins discussing sexual experiences. Role reversal, in the beginning Ann is the patient and now Graham is.

21.  Issue to resolve: Self-imposed impotence  Videotape Videotapes as a ‘sex therapy’ Ann questions his rationale  Closure “I fucked Elizabeth. Before you broke up. Before you were havin' trouble, even. She's no saint. ” - John

22.  Females are ultimately the powerful ones and able to take control of the situation Cynthia breaks it off with John Ann divorces John  Soderbergh mistrusts therapy Therapists are paid friends  He knows nothing about them  “You shouldn’t take advise from someone who doesn’t know you intimately” - Graham

23.  Different parts of his personality in each of the 4 characters  Period of his life where he drank too much, philandered, fabricated, blew a major relationship  Truth, lies, and sex anecdotes from his own experiences

24.  Making a film without thinking about monetary gain “I’m process-driven not result-driven” -Soderbergh  Focus on youth audience (youth/20’s) – advertisement Sex, controversy, violence as sales strategies - Perren Images convey raciness, something more adult – Perren