Thinking XXX is a documentary with some thought-provoking moments, but suffers from not going in depth with its subjects. Centering around the production of a photography book covering porn stars by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. The film alternates between scenes from the photo shoot and interviews with figures such as the late Norman Mailer.
At times, the documentary is quite interesting, with some very enlightening interviews with the adult actors and actresses. (Nina Hartley is particularly engaging.) The commentary from Mailer, Gore Vidal, and others is also thought-provoking, with a particularly interesting discussion of the connection between violence and pornography.
Unfortunately, the film jumps around so much that these topics cannot be examined in depth. For example, the discussion on violence and pornography lasts only a minute. A discussion of safe sex and pornography, particularly heterosexual pornography, is also given short shrift. The film could have benefited from a longer running time in order to allow greater depth. Furthermore, the film features in depth interviews with only a few of the more articulate or popular stars. Most of the others are given only scant attention.
Finally, for those watching just for the skin, there is plenty of nudity on display. Be forewarned, however, that the film jumps frequently between male and female porn stars, so people tuning in for one group will see a lot of the other as well.
At times, the documentary is quite interesting, with some very enlightening interviews with the adult actors and actresses. (Nina Hartley is particularly engaging.) The commentary from Mailer, Gore Vidal, and others is also thought-provoking, with a particularly interesting discussion of the connection between violence and pornography.
Unfortunately, the film jumps around so much that these topics cannot be examined in depth. For example, the discussion on violence and pornography lasts only a minute. A discussion of safe sex and pornography, particularly heterosexual pornography, is also given short shrift. The film could have benefited from a longer running time in order to allow greater depth. Furthermore, the film features in depth interviews with only a few of the more articulate or popular stars. Most of the others are given only scant attention.
Finally, for those watching just for the skin, there is plenty of nudity on display. Be forewarned, however, that the film jumps frequently between male and female porn stars, so people tuning in for one group will see a lot of the other as well.