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Adrian Lyne is a director that isn’t afraid to tackle sexuality on the screen. I’m not a fan of his FLASHDANCE, but that image of Jennifer Beals (or her body double) being splashed with water has become an iconic erotic image. FATAL ATTRACTION is one of the better “From Hell” thrillers being the definitive affair from hell. He dealt with infidelity unsuccessfully in INDECENT PROPOSAL (but it still had people thinking) and successfully in UNFAITHFUL. Lyne dealt with a weird sexuality in JACOB’S LADDER as well as in his best film LOLITA.

However, NINE 1/2 WEEKS was his first real foray into sexuality. Several of the film’s sex scenes have become iconic and parodied over and over again. Elizabeth (Kim Basinger, L.A. CONFIDENTIAL) is a conservative divorcee, who is shy about sexuality until she meets John (Mickey Rourke, DINER).

It can be debated what draws her to John, but it is certain that she likes the domineering games he plays with her. The relationship allows her to break free from her inhibitions for the first time. John opens Elizabeth up to experiencing sex with every sense. However, she struggles with the passion of the relationship and John’s controlling personality and lack of emotional intimacy. In some ways, Elizabeth and John are extreme versions of the typical male/female relationship.

Basinger and Rourke are perfectly cast. However, the late ‘80s style of heavy eye make-up actually makes the gorgeous Basinger look less attractive. Where the film falls short is that is runs out of new ideas. After awhile the sex scenes become redundant. As well, the specific nature of the sex scenes can also turn off people who are not into that kind of eroticism. The famous food scene is a perfect example that eroticism is in the eye of the beholder.

I kept thinking of how BELLE DE JOUR got it so right by keeping a lot in the imagination. In the end, it may fall too much in love with its sexy stars, but outside of its flights of fancy it does have a brain. It doesn’t work as a whole, but for the curious it isn’t a total waste of time. However, the best erotic film is still BELLE DE JOUR.