Sex, lies, and videotape [DVD video]

Focuses on the complexities of human intimacy and deception in the modern age. Housewife Ann (Andie MacDowell) feels distant from her lawyer husband, John (Peter Gallagher), who is sleeping with her sister, Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). When John's old friend Graham (James Spader) comes to town, Ann is drawn to the soft-spoken outsider, eventually uncovering his startling private obsession: videotaping women as they confess their deepest desires. A piercingly intelligent chamber piece, in which the video camera becomes a charged metaphor for the characters' isolation.

General Note:

Title from container.

Originally released as a motion picture in 1989.

Wide screen.

Special features: Audio commentary from 1998 featuring Steven Soderbergh in conversation with filmmaker Neil LaBute; new introduction by Soderbergh; interviews with Soderbergh from 1990 and 1992; new documentary about the making of the film, featuring actors Peter Gallagher, Andie MacDowell, and Laura San Giacomo; interview from 1989 with actor James Spader; new conversation between sound editor/re-recording mixer Larry Blake and composer Cliff Martinez Cliff Martinez; deleted scene with commentary by Soderbergh; demonstration of sound restorations through the years; trailers; essay by critic Amy Taubin.

Performers:

James Spader, Andie MacDowell, Peter Gallagher, Laura San Giacomo, Ron Vawter.

Technical Details:

DVD; NTSC; region 1; 16:9 wide screen (1.85:1 aspect ratio); Dolby digital 5.1 surround.

Subject Term:

Man-woman relationships -- Drama.

Geographic Term: