Erotique

REVIEW
A vastly uneven omnibus film that features four 30-minute shorts by women directors all of which share the theme of sexual fantasies as seen through feminist eyes/imagination. Borden's Let's Talk about Sex follows a feisty Latina woman who, while working as a phone-sex operator, becomes obsessed with one of her male customers. It is interesting more for what it attempts than for what it accomplishes. Taboo Parlor, by Treut, is a wonderfully decadent if controversial tale of female exploitation by a pair of lipstick lesbians. The two lovers decide to add spice to their already active sex life by picking up a posturing male and having their way with him. Though it's sensual and surprisingly funny, some may either miss or not appreciate its sardonic viewpoint (heterosexual men especially). Final Call, by Magalhäes, is a minor story of a woman getting it on with the man who rescued her from a sexual assault. The young lovers do have some steamy scenes. Probably the most accomplished of the four is Law's Wonton Soup, a witty, atmospheric story of two college lovers reunited in Hong Kong. The acting has warmth and depth, and the writing is clever. And it's damn steamy, too.