In modern times what used to be unnatural is considered natural and what used to be natural is considered unnatural. At least someone with more traditional mindset would see the basic premise of Diary of a Sex Addict, 2001 drama written and directed by Joseph Brutsman, in such way. Protagonist is Sammy Horn (played by Michael Des Barres), man who, at least on surface, has anything a man would strive for – successful career of restaurant owner in Los Angeles, stunning wife Grace (played by Rosanna Arquette) and loving son. But he also has a serious problem which recently made him visit psychotherapist Dr. Jane Bodreaux (played by Nastassja Kinski). Sammy has such strong sexual urges that his needs simply can’t be satisfied by his wife or even his mistress, so he indulges in series of casual affairs with any woman he meets, whether his restaurant employees or street prostitutes. Sammy manages to hide this side of his life from his family, but lately it becomes harder and harder. Dr. Bodreaux warns him that would sooner or later need to confront his addiction and make changes in his lifestyle before his marriage gets ruined. Sammy would begin to contemplate that only after learning the shocking results of his wife’s HIV test.
Made with relatively low budget and without many notable names, this direct-to-video film at first glance looks like standard erotic thriller, one of many that have been flooding video stores in 1990s. In reality, however, Diary of a Sex Addict is actually a drama that tries very hard to approach the issue of sex addiction in most serious and thoughtful way. As expected for the film featuring the subject, and especially because being unburdened by MPAA censorship of theatrical film releases, it has plenty of rather explicit sex scenes, yet they are directed by Joseph Brutsman in realistic and completely non-erotic manner. Brutsman, who also co-wrote the script with Tony Peck, shot the film on video tape and, as such, Diary of a Sex Addict looks very much like an art film in Dogme 95 style. The most pleasant surprise in the film is Michael Des Barres, rock musician who handled the difficult and potentially thankless role with great ease and played the character of middle aged man with embarrassing affliction quite convincingly. Another great performance was given by Nastassja Kinski, former sex symbol of late 1970s and early 1980s who here, despite still stunning looks, ironically plays one of her most buttoned up roles. Diary of a Sex Addict presents a very interesting and at times uncompromisingly bleak portrayal of human sexuality and some of the ways it is treated in modern society. It would have been much better without some uneccessary characters and subplots, like protagonist’s conflict with black ticket seller played by Troy Winbush. However, even with such flaws, Diary of a Sex Addict leaves very good impression and could be recommended for watching despite its relative obscurity.
RATING: 7/10 (++)
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