X-Rated

Aired on Showtime, Bryn Pryor's documentary X-Rated serves up a chronological survey of “adult” movies made between the early 1970s and the advent of the Internet age. Hosted by porn star Chanel Preston, the film begins with a look at the first pornographic films to break through in the mass market (at least in major urban areas) despite attempts at government suppression: Deep Throat, Behind the Green Door, The Devil in Miss Jones, and Debbie Does Dallas. The focus then shifts to the legions of adult movies that followed in their wake, not only theatrical releases but also the far greater number made for home viewing after the introduction of video recorders. The pattern is repetitive: each title is represented with a few clips, accompanied by comments from various actors and actresses, and writers and directors. No attention is paid to the more unsavory aspects of the business and everyone seems to remember their experiences with good humor. The interviewees also take their films very seriously, talking about “symbolism” and even comparing one to Of Mice and Men. The clips themselves, however, testify to the threadbare quality of most of the productions (although a Star Wars parody exhibits some fairly sophisticated special effects), as well as the rudimentary writing and acting. This equivalent-to-R-rated look at an X-rated subject will primarily appeal to viewers with a nostalgic remembrance of early porn, as it presents a breezy history of filmed pornography in the U.S. Extras include deleted scenes and extended interviews. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)