Speaking of Sex (2001)

Director:

John McNaughton

Writer (WGA):

Gary Tieche (written by)

Release Date:

20 September 2002 (Greece)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

Because life has its ups and downs...

Plot:

A female marriage counselor and a male depression expert try to solve the marital problems of a troubled couple. |

Plot Keywords:

Depression | Sex On Table | Champagne | Doctor Patient Relationship | Billiards

Cast

James Spader	...	Dr. Roger Klink
Melora Walters	...	Melinda
Jay Mohr	...	Dan
Nathaniel Arcand	...	Calvin
Megan Mullally	...	Jennifer Klink
Lara Flynn Boyle	...	Dr. Emily Paige
Nick Offerman	...	Sheriff Panghorn
Greg Pitts	...	Deputy Trousdale
Daniel Libman	...	Dr. Clark
Don MacKay	...	Dr. Fromm
Paul Schulze	...	Larry
Catherine O'Hara	...	Connie Barker
Phil LaMarr	...	Joel Johnson, Jr.
Bill Murray	...	Ezri Stovall
Hart Bochner	...	Felix

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexual content and language.

Runtime:

USA:96 min | USA:97 min

Country:

Canada | USA | France

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R | Iceland:12 | Brazil:16 | Italy:VM14 | New Zealand:R16 | Spain:13 | Australia:MA

Filming Locations:

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Company:

Canal+

Quotes:

Jennifer Klink: All of a sudden, he is Mr Oral Sex. Up until then Roger had *very* rarely, uh, 'cunnilinged' me.
Felix: Can you say, uh, 'cunnilinged'?
Jennifer Klink: [laughs] Well, I don't know. What's the verb for cunnilingus?
Felix: 'Cunniligated'?
Jennifer Klink: [laughs amd hits him on the arm flirtatiously] stop it!
Felix: Cunnilingual? Is that a verb?
Jennifer Klink: [still laughing] I don't know, but I like it!

Movie Connections:

References Annie Hall (1977)

Soundtrack:

Peppermint Twist

surprisingly good

What's the deal with James Spader? Why does he always end up playing the incompetent boob with weird sexual fetishes?

This superbly cast film is well-written and well-directed. The thing is, it doesn't really have any zingers, any defining moments. The talented James Spader (Crash) and Lara Flynn Boyle (The Practice) are two therapists that get emotionally involved with a troubled couple, the talented Melora Walters (Being John Malkovich) and a very down-to-earth Jay Mohr (SNL). Spader is particularly gifted through his mannerisms and uncomfortable demeanor, although Walters' performance as a simple and emotionally confused woman is equally amusing. As things between characters get complicated, the director does an excellent job of keeping the pacing going; the film never really loses momentum. The writing is based mostly on the situation, yet a couple of twists and subtleties really keep the viewer enguaged. Especially brilliant is Bill Murrary (Groundhog Day) who steals scenes from Phil LaMarr (MAD TV) and Catherine O'Hara (SCTV) with his exaggerated delivery. Furthermore, the director uses several manic cuts and tricks to keep the images fresh. The only real sore points stem from the fact that there isn't much TO the movie. It's hard to find an emotional connection with any one character, such that by the end, you're more interested in seeing what will happen as opposed to hoping for happy fates. Furthermore, the script's humour is mostly character-based; there aren't really any lines that bowl you over or stick in your head. But the dialogue is well-scripted and well-delivered. This movie isn't really a romantic comedy; but a piece of good entertainment for several demographics. It's got a Snatch feel with a Zoolander comedic touch. Great entertainment for an afternoon and a definite renter if you want to laugh a bit. James Spader forever.