The X List: The National Society of Film Critics' Guide to the Movies That Turn Us On by Jami Bernard


The X List: The National Society of Film Critics' Guide to the Movies That Turn Us On
Title : The X List: The National Society of Film Critics' Guide to the Movies That Turn Us On
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0306814455
ISBN-10 : 9780306814457
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 352
Publication : First published October 17, 2005

National Society of Film Critics dares to go where few mainstream critics have gone before-to the heart of what gets the colored lights going, as they say in A Streetcar Named Desire . Here is their take on the films that quicken their (and our) pulses-an enterprise both risky and risque, an entertaining overview of the most arousing films Hollywood has every produced. But make no mistake about This isn't a collection of esoteric "critic's choice" movies. The films reflect individual taste, rubbing against the grain of popular wisdom. And, because of the personal nature of the erotic forces at play, these essays will reveal more about the individual critics than perhaps they have revealed thus far to their readers. The Society is a world-renowned, marquee-name organization embracing some of America's most distinguished critics, more than forty writers who have followings nationally as well as devoted local constituencies in such major cities as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.Yes, The X List will have something for every lover of film-and for every lover.

The X List: The National Society of Film Critics' Guide to the Movies That Turn Us On Reviews

  • N

    It's taken me 15 years to finally read the entire essay collection regarding film critics' personal choices of their favorite erotic films. I would also love to point out that the collection has two or more films that star some of the most fabulous actresses ever: Michelle Pfeiffer, Maggie Cheung, Meg Ryan, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jane Fonda, Julie Christie.

    Some of my favorites are indeed included: two Michelle Pfeiffer classics, the beguiling The Age of Innocence; and haunting and melancholy The Fabulous Baker Boys. Who doesn't remember the magical images of Ms. Pfeiffer decked out in 19th century costume, waiting at a pier for her lover, Newland Archer (Daniel Day Lewis); or her iconic scene stealing turn as Suzie Diamond singing "Makin Whoopie" atop a piano; or her heartbreaking renditions of "More than you Know" and "My Funny Valentine"?

    Favorite 1970s classics the book writes about include Klute, Don't Look Now, McCabe and Mrs. Miller, Last Tango in Paris (so problematic now, yet Marlon Brando has never been better); Films like Wong Kar Wai's In the Mood for Love, or Irma Vep, both starring the alluring Maggie Cheung are also up there on the list of exquisite eroticism.

    I am glad that the book champions Jane Campion's maligned In the Cut, which was reviled by mostly male critics who could not see that this was a special movie that explored female sexuality and exploration of sex and fear through Meg Ryan’s Frannie’s point of view, rather than a serial killer procedural, which thank goodness is actually secondary to the plot.

    Meg Ryan's never been braver, better and sadder than watching her lonely schoolteacher fall for a cop with a coarse swagger, and who's amazing during sex- played by Mark Ruffalo, full frontal nudity and all. Also Jennifer Jason Leigh rounds out a magical trio of a cast where her wistfulness and dreamlike desires to be loved as well, lead to her gory demise. I love that this film is now being revisited by critics, scholars and film lovers alike because to me, it's the second best Jane Campion film next to her eternal masterpiece The Piano.

    15 years later- and I've watched so many of these films, and some I plan on seeing; some I plan on seeing again. They definitely turn me on for more than reasons of sex- but more on their intimate character studies of need, desire and the search for love.

  • Debs

    Pretty much what it sounds like. It’s interesting to see different film reviewer’s fetishes. This is where I first learned about the film Crash by David Cronenburg.