Love Object (2003)

The twisted tale of Kenneth, socially insecure technical writer who forms an obsessive relationship with "Nikki", an anatomically accurate silicone sex doll he orders over the Internet. ... See full summary »

Director:

Robert Parigi

Writer:

Robert Parigi

Stars:

Desmond Harrington, Melissa Sagemiller, Udo Kier

5 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Desmond Harrington	...	Kenneth Winslow
Melissa Sagemiller	...	Lisa Bellmer
Udo Kier	...	Radley
Rip Torn	...	Novak
Robert Bagnell	...	Martin
Brad William Henke	...	Dotson (as Brad Henke)
John Cassini	...	Jason
Camille Guaty	...	Counter Girl
Michael Peña	...	Ramirez
Edie Mirman	...	Saleswoman
Lyle Kanouse	...	Stan
Ellen Greene	...	Typing Supervisor
Opal Anchel	...	Doris
John Joseph Burns	...	Porn Clerk

Storyline

The twisted tale of Kenneth, socially insecure technical writer who forms an obsessive relationship with "Nikki", an anatomically accurate silicone sex doll he orders over the Internet. Because of his experience with his new toy, Kenneth's life takes a turn for the better when his newfound romantic skills attract the attention of Lisa, a co-worker at his office. But when the doll's jealous personality invades his consciousness, Kenneth becomes trapped in a perverse triangle, torn between the dominating, silicone Nikki and the flesh-and-blood Lisa.

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Plot Keywords:

office | internet | sex doll | technical writer | love | 

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Taglines:

Some people are just made for each other.

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Genres:

Drama | Horror | Romance | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, sexuality and language

Details

Official Sites:

Bac Films [France]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 September 2004 (France)

Also Known As:

Erotiko antikeimeno

Filming Locations:

Lacy Street Production Center - 2630 Lacy Street, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Base 12 Productions, Catapult Films, ContentFilm

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min 84 min (Fantasy Film Fest)

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During the kidnapping scene, Melissa Sagemiller's fall was real.

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Goofs

The statue that Lisa hits Kenneth with bounces slightly when it falls on the ground, obviously made of rubber.

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Quotes

Kenneth Winslow: Relationships come and go, but plastination is forever!

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Connections

References American Psycho (2000)

User Reviews

Even women sex dolls don't like to be two-timed...

Love Object received an incognito release a few years back, and this is unfortunate as what we have here is a film that takes a very basic idea (albeit one that I've not seen used before) and crafts and inventive and somewhat frightening little film out of it. The only film really similar to this that I can think of is Lucky McKee's oddball gem 'May', which seems to be gaining more and more fans all the time; and this makes Love Object's releasing all the more unfortunate, as this is a film that could definitely win itself a dedicated cult following. The film focuses on Kenneth Winslow - he's an everyday guy with an everyday sort of job at a place that prints instruction manuals. His life takes a turn one day when his co-workers introduce him to Nikki - a lifelike doll on sale on the internet for a whopping $10,000. He decides to buy the doll, and after becoming acquainted with it - quickly falls in love. However, he's also starting to get on with his lovely female co-worker...and this 'upsets' his $10,000 plastic love object, leading to the emergence of a strange love triangle.

Going into this film; I was worried that the plot might not be able to stretch the running time - but there's enough else going on to ensure that Love Object doesn't become boring. The production values are high considering that this obviously wasn't a big budget film, and the acting is also rather good. The central performance is delivered by a shy looking Desmond Harrington, and he has good chemistry with his female co-star, Melissa Sagemiller. To the cult fan, however, the most interesting performance in the movie comes from Udo Kier - and while he's not really given the opportunity to make a big mark on the film, it's always good to see him. Rip Torn also plays a part, and along with Kier; makes the movie more memorable. Director Robert Parigi gets the audience into the film because the people in it are largely very realistic; the leads aren't overly good/bad looking and they don't have unlikely jobs, so the film is easy to get on with for normal people who have never spent any time with a sex doll. The film seems like it should have a point...but if there is one, I couldn't detect it. "Don't have sex with a rubber doll" is about the best I can do on that front. However, the film is interesting throughout and ends with a good twist...so Love Object definitely comes recommended.