It has a tantalizing trailer, a Beyoncé remix, and a stunning cast, but we are still months away from actually seeing Fifty Shades of Grey on the big screen.
With all this teasing, it would be nice to finally get a little release. Luckily, there are plenty of scandalously seductive movies that pushed the boundaries long before Christian Grey’s secret room.
One of these films, Sex, Lies, and Videotape, celebrated its 25th anniversary on August 4. Steven Soderbergh’s directorial debut about a curious drifter, played by James Spader, who films women, like Andie MacDowell, openly talking about their sexual experiences and frustrations has become an indie classic. The frank female dialogue about lust, love and bedroom performance, mixed with slow-burn intimate moments, attracted plenty of attention – and mostly positive reviews.
While Videotape didn’t have the hype of Fifty Shades, it is one of many kinky cinematic groundbreakers that can help you prepare for Fifty Shades of Grey‘s Valentine’s Day outing. Below, check out our suggested list of tantalizing films for your “pre-game” viewing pleasure.
Sex, Lies, and Videotape
Release Date: August 4, 1989
Scandalous Scene: The entire film is full of blunt conversations about sex, leaving each scene as subtly shocking as the next.
Y Tu Mamé También
Release Date: March 15, 2002 (U.S.)
Scandalous Scene: The film’s best friends and roadtrippers, portrayed by Diego Luna and Gael Garcéa Bernal, impulsively decide to share an intimate moment together with an older woman.
Secretary
Release Date: September 20, 2002
Scandalous Scene: Christian Grey has some catching up to do. James Spader is back, this time toying with the lines between pleasure, pain and professionalism. Maggie Gyllenhaal‘s first shocking spanking for her mistypings clears the way for this strange love story’s more devious moments.
Basic Instinct
Release Date: March 20, 1992
Scandalous Scene: All it took was a quick uncrossing of the legs from Sharon Stone to put this movie on the most infamous list.
Body of Evidence
Release Date: January 15, 1993
Scandalous Scene: Add Madonna and a little hot wax to any bedroom interaction and things are bound to get … barely memorable?
Boogie Nights
Release Date: October 10, 1997
Scandalous Scene: Where to begin? This is a movie about the porn industry, remember. If we had to pick one “magic” moment, though, it would be Dirk Diggler’s final unveiling of what’s under his bell bottoms. Wow.
Bound
Release Date: October 4, 1996
Scandalous Scene: Jennifer Tilly gets to know her apartment building’s new plumber, Gina Gershon, by following her home and rapidly seducing her in a graphic love scene. (If sapphic sexuality is your thing, there’s also Blue Is the Warmest Color.)
Eyes Wide Shut
Release Date: July 16, 1999
Scandalous Scene: Oozing with all kinds of sexual tension, everything comes to a head when Tom Cruise finds his way into a secret society orgy.
Last Tango in Paris
Release Date: December 15, 1972
Scandalous Scene: Marlon Brando agreeing to anonymous sex with a married woman is juicy as it is. Adding butter as a lubricant earned this film an X rating upon its initial release.
