Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-25 14:41:36

Seven short stories against a beautiful backdrop...

On a lovely day in Hampstead Heath, seven couples explore their relationships, find love, break up, and come to a crossroads. Most of the seven stories are not intertwined, except for a few parting glances here or there, and one man who is desperately looking to couple up with a woman for the day. The good: I loved the story between Pete and Sara, who I thought were a lovely as husband and wife, and then realized that they were there to share the joint custody of their child, each clutching their divorce papers in hand. It appears that they still love each other, but something is not...right.I also enjoyed the scenes between Brian and Billy (played by Ewan McGregor) a couple who are grappling with the decision to adopt a child, when Billy is having a hard time growing up. Ludo and Esther also gave good performances. If I hadn't read the blurb on the back of the DVD cover, I would have thought that this duo had been together for years and very happy, but this one had a little shock and surprise at the end. The bad: Eddie and Iris's story had captured me at first. Two old friends meeting 40-50 years later, on the same bench they frequented when they were 17, as they were once in love. Something lost me in the middle when it could have been very romantic. Molly and Jamie were featured in the first story, a happily married unit, whose relaxing day is ruined when Jamie spends a little too much time staring a French girl, whose underwear is showing. He then makes up this convoluted story about how he once read the same book she's reading and tells his wife what it's about, etc. She then sees through the falsehood, then goes to the French girl to catch her husband in a lie. I guess it could have been a good story, but something felt a little too contrived about it. The story with Julia and Gerry starts out well as a couple on a clumsy and awkward blind date. As they misunderstand each other less, and start to like each other more, one silly glance at someone else, sends the other into a flurry. It just didn't seem finished and it was a little too abrupt. The strange: Anna and Noel meet after she's had a fight with her boyfriend, and they break up. What occurs then is a back and forth conversation about what is going to happen next. One of them seems crazy, and the other desperate. As in many movies or books that have several different stories with many characters, you can't always expect to connect with all of them. Unfortunately, the number that I connected with was smaller than those that I did. This would be a good film to watch if you do not need a lot of action, but want to be reminded of the interconnectedness of people, and view all of their idiosyncracies. Also, you can never go wrong with London.

2012-05-25 01:47:57

Windowpanes To the Human Condition

An enjoyable, thought-provoking set of stories that flow at a brisk pace, "Scenes of a Sexual Nature" sports a nifty set of windowpanes to the human condition, in particular what drives romantic relationships. Set entirely within London's pristine Hampstead Heath, a vast, pristine forest and parkland, this edgy collaboration between first-time writer Aschlin Ditta and producer/director Ed Blum has a distinct, raw flavor. With above-average actors and Ditta's candid dialogue, the film feels consistently fresh and rarely forced with a wry, witty classical soundtrack by Dominik Scherrer to underscore the proceedings.An accent or two sounds a little shaky, and the PC card may be pushed a tad too self-consciously (three mixed-race and one gay couple are involved), but this pays no ultimate disserve to the film's overall effect. Whether it is an awkward blind date, the prospect of adoption or a newly divorced couple happy to be simply acquaintances, each situation is treated with equal attention, poetically weaving into the next. Some elements veer toward the unrealistic (the divorced couple walking in arm in arm, for one), providing only a minor drawback. The most enjoyable pairing is that of illustrious actors Benjamin Whitrow and Eileen Akins as a long-separated couple reunited by chance, both with the same bench, with its glorious view of the London skyline, as their destination. Since 50 years have passed since lighter days when they were 17, both initially fail to recognize each other but soon gasp in wonderment. Both married and loved their partners, but always wondered what became of each other. Together, they scale the rolling hill off in the distance, something they've both longed for but never attempted."After finally climbing this infernal hill after all those years of thinking about it, what you're saying is, `the view is better from where we were?'" she asks him once they've reached the top."Well, on reflection, yes," he replies."I think you're right," she agrees. It may not be as high, but it did seem clearer."Moments like these give the film a lyrical panache. Similar impact occurs when Billy, the philandering half of a gay couple played by Ewan McGregor, vows to change his ways should his partner Brian, played by Douglas Hodge, consent to adopt."There's still a problem," says Brian, clearly desperate for Billy's commitment. "I don't want kids. I just want you."Mark Strong and Polly Walker also resonate deeply as a couple with an unconventional means of attraction, as do Hugh Bonneville and Gina McKee as a socially inept duo set up on a date by a mutual friend. Oscar-nominee Sophie Okonedo also shines in her brief but colorful part as a young woman with unbelievable mood swings who hands her pursuer, played by Tom Hardy, more than he bargained for.An ideal date film, atypical in that it can speak equally to both men and women, "Scenes From a Sexual Nature" is a picturesque, stimulating flick as well as the cinematic debut of a screenwriting talent with loads of potential.

chris-2085 2012-05-25 11:26:02

Saw this on 'spec yesterday as I had some time to kill - wrong title

NO SPOILER!! Was at a multiplex in Sheffield on Monday (not meadowhall) and had some time to kill. This was the film that startedearliest that the two of us both fancied.Personal opinion - it does work - it is a snapshot of a place in Londonwhich is; and has been a place of sexual adventure. There are some thatsay the gays have taken over - not sure that's true, but I'm nohomophobe, my late brother was gay and died of aids. The essence ofHamstead Heath - it is a meeting place, one that happens to be used asa place of trysts.It is not the cleverest film in term of camera usage, but the makershad to achieve what they set out to do whilst the general public wereusing the heath in a normal day. I suspect the camera angles were notclever because of the public access required to the heath. Imaginetrying to do the same thing as a film maker in central park N.Y. on alow budget with no official backing from the City. These guys probablyfaced the same problem - remember that when you watch it - it's OK tobe clever when being a critic, but remember the constraints they wereoperating under !!! Cast is superb, it's very British, lottery funded,and the snapshots it provides into peoples lives leaves one leaving thecinema - wondering what happens afterwards - well thats what it did forme - a very British film that probably won't travel well - but WTH !!My only gripe it this - when I told my mum what I'd been to see (andI'm 50 years old) she said - You are too old for mucky films !!! Thisis a woman who loved Vera Drake - as an explanation of social history!!But her assumption was it was a mucky film - so quid pro quo - anyonelooking for a mucky film will see that as a title (or tag-line) and goto see it and come out very very NOT HAPPY - however people like my 70year old mum, I know would enjoy it, but not be brave enough to watchit; because the title will put her off.So if marketing/distributing people read these comments, think of a newtitle - it will probably get you more exposure than you are likely toget.That's my take on it - and it was so good I'll be watching it again -because I know I missed so many bits !!! Cheers Chris

Ksasj 2012-05-24 19:28:43

Everybody needs love

I've seen this movie recently in the Prince Charles Cinema in Londonwhen I was visiting the place during a City Trip. I didn't know whichmovie was playing and the I never heard of this movie. So without anyidea what the movie was about, I sit back and enjoyed the movie.The first thing I noticed was the high amount of 'feel good movie'.Everything is sunny, the grass is always very green and everybody issmiling.The plot isn't very spectacular, just some people who fell in love, arein love or needs love. But it's the humor what makes it special. Everycharacter is interesting and never bores. Everyone can recognizehimself in some sort of way in one of the characters.When the movie ends, you leave with a smile. That's for sure!

bopdog 2012-05-23 12:14:47

Dull. More like a sketch from the middle of a TV show than a movie

There is nothing mean spirited or evil about this movie. It's justterribly dull. Dull is the photography--- the film stock appears oldand faded and washed-out. Maybe it was even 16mm blown up to 35mm,dunno. Dull is the script, which is tedious and 'Jules Pfeiffer'-ish.That is, kind of 1960s bossa-nova cocktail party cool. Like our beatnikgrandparents might have spoken if they were trying to appear reallystraight. The 'slice-of-life' characters were mostly annoying. True,they were real to life, but hey, if I wanted to see truly ordinarypeople doing really mundane and ordinary things, I'd just watch myself.I wouldn't trapse all the way down to a cinema and blow five quid, andan evening, watching someone else do it.I expected a funny, bright rom-com. What I got was more like what twointelligent and moderately talented 19 or 20 year-olds might haveproduced on their first day with a new video camera.I gave this a 4 out 10, because it appears that someone tried, atleast.

Kanat 2012-05-23 00:00:34

Seasons in life and love

Luckily, this is no ordinary potato-stamp romantic movie. It is deeper,more true to life, complicated, contemplative; a meditative celebrationof people from life through the many seasons of love.Happy endings are not assured. A deep connection to someone you hardlyknew may be your secret of a lifetime. Then, when you meet your fantasylover, you may really enjoy his/her company but find that cupid andangels will not turn the world upside down and set it on fire. Younotice that through your fantasy, you under-appreciated love and many abeautiful moment you have lived. Life was not as bright as fantasy, butneither is the real live person you had fantasized about.Things are not always what they seem.Men who ogle and stare at women should be ashamed of themselves. Womenfind this rather disturbing and disgusting. Right? Your partner or blind date makes eye contact with a passer-by, smiles,blushes, looks away. Deal breaker? Not that big a deal?A lovely couple is walking in the park... or maybe they are not acouple at all...Hmmm... What are those guys doing behind the bushes? He says he wantsto go get ice-cream... hmmm... yummy...No, things are not always what they seem. Two people can love eachother, hold hands, kiss, and have a great time together, and yet behappy to be split, having accepted that whoever they are looking for isnot this other person.Love of partner, love of child, casual sex and career can push partnersto look for a delicate balance, trying to find ways to satisfy alltheir desires and needs, at times imagining themselves more capable ofchange than the habits would seem to allow them.Life and love are unpredictable and colorful when experienced withoutthe seductive sedative lullaby "And they lived happily ever after"...

illustris 2012-05-20 13:59:01

Good lighthearted movie : 3 stars at "illustris Star Scale"

I give it THREE strong STARS* at my scale.Additional comments:I will not comment on budget nor on likes and dislikes. Leaving thehouse after the movie I felt lighthearted with aftertaste of humannature irony.* ---I suggest an independent approach to rating a movie that I use myselfand as it proved to be helpful to my friends. This approach does notreflect any specific quality, like playing of actors or camera work ordirector or script or even budget. Instead, it ranges the work as awhole indicating its consumer value and time-provedness. The rating canbe easily applied to other entertainment articles like music CDs, booksor performances thus making the method universal and simple for bothusing and understanding. It ranges from one to ten stars according tothe statements:1*......... - I started watching but quit before the end. (I left thehouse)2**........ - I could hardly sit out till the end.3***....... - I saw it once. (It's worth watching once)4****...... - I saw it and would recommend it to my friends. (It's adiscovery!)5*****..... - I would watch it again and could join a company. (Nexttime I can invite my friends).6******.... - I can go and watch it many times. (I must check if theysell it?)7*******... - I saw it and am about to buy a copy. (Happy to have it onmy shelf)8********.. - I saw it and bought it, I enjoy re-watching selectedepisodes.9*********. - I saw and bought it - it comes as a source of citations.10********** - I saw and bought it, the source of all time enjoyment,my favorite. (Next generation will appreciate it like in 10 or 20 yearsas well)If you'd like to use the method please mention it as "illustris StarScale"

fauqur 2012-05-20 01:19:59

What it should be is what it is

Preface ~ the word spoilers is tossed around, in the case of this movieyou can not spoil the dialog with a description of the events. This isa dialog driven movie and therefore it would be near impossible thewatchers experience by describing certain interactions. ~ fauqurIn times such as these where sex is both taboo and the most commonmarketing tool known to advertising we need more movies of this type.It is a satirical and realistic look at love and sex in our currentworld state. This film is not one of flashy special effects or deepmetaphorical cinematography. The message is in the dialog and is onlyhidden if you can't read body language or infer for yourself theintended message of the script and actors. This examines all generations and all lifestyles... to a point, but ingeneral it covers the basics. Watch for the re-occurring charactersthat bring comic relief to each story. I would have to re-watch it but I believe the Actress currently playingMartha Jones on Dr Who is in one of the best scenes in the movie.~Spoiler~ After enduring a breakup she is approached by a random blokein the park who tries to comfort her, while not so discreetlyattempting to also bang her in the park. The negative reviews no doubt came from people who thought the titlemeant they were in for adult soft core. This is a social commentary andshould be viewed as such.If you are able to put your sex drive in the back seat and take anhonest look at sex and love in relation to lifestyle, generation, andsocial upbringing you will enjoy this fine piece of cinema.I mean if you read the trivia, the actors will all willing to work forminimum and agreed to only receive additional compensation with futuresales... I think that proves how much they believed in the film... youcan at least give it a shot

Hermione Jackson 2012-05-19 07:25:49

Brilliantly interesting

This movie is a fantastic piece of writing and an amazing concept!Although confusing at times it will make you think and turn you on atthe same time. The number of famous actors in it only hints to itscredibility and the name of the film by far does not suggest whatactually happens in it. The suggestion by many that this is apornographic movie is extremely wrong, there is only the slightest hintof nudity, nothing more than the trailer suggests. At least this is avery thought provoking film, worth your time for exceptional reasons.It sums up what we desire, hate, believe and know! The films cheapbudget can be seen in many ways throughout the film although I foundthe simple touch very endearing and made you really believe you werepart of these peoples lives for those few moments in time. The film didnot need fancy technology to make it great, it was about the people, sodid not need to exaggerate anything else! The film touches on manydelicate subjects and although you may not realise it does enter a lotof your mind. Its worth seeing this film with some open minded friendsand then having an opportunity to talk about it afterwards, becausetrust me you will want to!

Soph 2012-05-18 09:45:06

Uplifting!

This is a beautifully made film, the style is original, simple, andvery easy to watch. It's a short film about life and love set onHampstead Heath, and is without a doubt one of the sweetest films madein a number of years. It has no complex plot, but is interesting andfilled with many amusing anecdotes, and will make you laugh out loud attimes. Filled with a very talented cast, and many familiar faces(Andrew Lincoln, and Hugh Bonneville being a few of my favourites) thismovie is far from dull, and particularly easy to relate to. I havewatched it numerous times, with numerous people, and have yet to findsomeone (male or female) who does not share my high opinion of thisfilm. I highly recommend it to anyone.

reddragon211981 2012-05-18 10:50:40

I don't understand

I read a lot of the reviews and comments that people here typed aboutthis movie, i can't understand how they say it was awful etc... Butthat is why they say we all have different taste, i just got donewatching this movie and i loved it, the movie is very touching,beautiful scenery, funny, entertaining, i read some guy in here madefun of the camera on how it was filmed etc.. ?? I have no clue why hewould say that, because the camera the view all of it was perfect, thisis why people should watch a movie and judge it by themselves and notalways go by what people say, because you might enjoy it as much as meand my family did, the actors and actresses did an outstanding job onthis film, so my advice is give it a try you will be impressLoved it!!

FlutteringButterly 2012-05-17 15:00:39

A 10 out of 10

I loved this movie so much I bought the DVD. It's a gem. I'm notsurprised a lot of the actors did this film for almost no money - thescript is that good.You can make an analogy to books - this is not a novel but a book ofshort stories. I personally love short stories - you can almost alwaysflesh out the characters in your imagination and make your own ending.I thought this movie was brilliant - great script and absolutely superbacting. It was a joy to watch from start to finish. This is what actingis all about, this is what movies should be about - not blue screens,endless explosions and CGI characters.

gradyharp 2012-05-17 00:53:37

'Scenes of a Sexual Nature': not a disclaimer but a joy

The British have done it again - successfully shown how talent,ensemble attitude, prudent production values, and esprit de corps canresult in a first class thoughtful comedy of life. A first outing forwriter Aschlin Ditta and director Ed Blum, this entertaining,intelligent and beautifully wrought film is a veritable showcase ofsome of Britain's finest actors.The concept is a simple one: one sunny afternoon on Hampstead Heathoverlooking London the camera moves among seven couples acting out thesexual overtones of relationships. No, there is no graphic action here:it is absolutely unnecessary, so candid and intelligent is the script.The couples we meet are 1) Eileen Atkins and Benjamin Whitrow, twoalone, aging characters whose proclivity for weekly visits to the samebench result in a courtship dance of sorts; 2) Andrew Lincoln and HollyAird discussing their rather dry state of marriage as Andrew's eyesunderstandably caress the beautiful Eglantine Rembauville-Nicollereading Camus nearby, causing a crack in the couple's marriage; 3)Sophie Okenedo distraught at a breakup is consoled then seduced byflippant Tom Hardy; 4) Adrian Lester and Catherine Tate are in thefinal paper stages of divorce, trying to overcome their feelings fortheir frolicking little daughter; 5) Ewan McGregor and Douglas Hodgeare a gay couple contemplating adoption despite McGregor's character'swandering eye; 6) Hugh Bonneville and Catherine Tate banter thefragility of a first date over lunch and wine and distrust; and PollyWalker 'sells' her time and attentions to willing buyer Mark Strong.The phrase on the cover of the very well made DVD states it well: 'Sexand love. Some seek it, some need it, some spurn it and some pay forit, but we're all involved in it'. In addition to the pleasure ofwatching these superb actors ply their trade in these small vignettesthe cinematography, editing, and musical score underline thespontaneous feeling of Ditta and Blum's concept. It is a pure joy towatch - even the informative dialog in the added features thataccompany this delightful DVD. Grady Harp

2012-05-16 18:55:51

It has its moments but it's more suitable to be a TV show that is one hour long.

It has its moments but it's more suitable to be a TV show that is one hour long. Some of the dialogues are humourous and witty. It's obvious some scenes were dragged to make the movie 90 minutes long.

2012-05-15 23:12:49

Subtle delight

This review is from: Scenes of a Sexual Nature (DVD) Shame on the reviewer for not writing Spoiler Alert in one review! Most others are solid critique.I am only adding this bit because I have seen the film twice and now find I want it in my collection. In the second viewing I found subtlties I missed on first viewing. I appreciated the depth of the characters. I noted that the "strange" exchange between Anna and Noel was made much more comprehensible when I figured out the final scene, which is run through the credits, so don't turn it off too soon! Tom Hardy -- does he do anything poorly? -- and his canine pal made me burst out laughing.I loved the way the vignettes are unpredictable -- and unforgettable. This is a delightful film appreciable on many levels. Got to have it in my collection. BTW, does anyone know if the film earned any awards?

writers_reign 2012-05-15 07:37:18

Heathcliffhangers

Q. How do you confuse a Multiplex Moppet. A. Put Ewan McGregor on themarquee and then have him kiss Douglas Hodge. They're gonna love thisin the UGCs but the rest of us can bask in a strangely old-fashionedportmanteau entry with no fancy angles - in fact hardly Any Angles atall to speak of; Long Shot, Medium Shot, Close Shot and ...er.. that'sabout it. Made for a stick of gum and looking like it was made for atleast a pack it offers a sort of clear CCTV footage of an afternoon onHampstead Heath in which seven couples muse on the nature of loveand/or perhaps more accurately, relationships. Whilst it's unlikelythat you'd encounter quite so many variants in a single afternoon youwould almost certainly come across three or four including theobligatory gay duo, McGregor and Hodge, not so long after theyco-starred on stage in Guys and Dolls and now, after a fifteen yearrelationship addressing the question of adopting a child. ElsewhereEileen Atkins and Benjamin Whitrow stretch credulity by meeting againafter half a century and marriage to other people, Sophie Okenado isdumped, Hugh Bonneville undergoes an uneasy blind date, Catherine Tateand Adrien Lester meet up in the wake of their divorce and so on. It'sa gentle, nonthreatening afternoon, well acted, competently written andshot but it may not be enough though I hope it is.

jodro 2012-05-12 11:10:08

very mediocre, despite the sunshine

I watched this movie recently, spurred on by the positive reviews here,that seemed to be written by folk who, like me, don't like the cynicalways of the world, and with that of many modern movies. Sadly I washugely disappointed. The by-numbers script appeared to be written by amovie school student, with endless, grating smart-alec dialogue. Thecharacters appeared to be continuously trying to outsmart each otherwith the next clever quip, and not only do people not talk like that inreal life, it also made a dearth of likable characters. This could workif the characters or dialogue are genuinely interesting, but both arerather boring. The only flicker of interest could be found in thedialogue of the elderly couple, but even that was set up with a ratherfar-fetched back story. Plus there were a few other cheap plot twiststhat left me feeling cheated. The movie is reasonably well-acted,despite the shortcomings of the script, and the scenery is very nice,but in the end it comes across as pointless and vacuous yuppie-fare.

nickjames 2012-05-12 02:15:21

shallow.

the acting is good.thats the positives out of the way! SOSN is shallowand superficial.Almost all the characters are middle class andEnglish.The gay men are depicted as fickle sexual predators aiming touse children in their empty lives.This film could only appeal to peoplewho know hampstead heath and would get minor satisfaction from pointingout any landmarks.There is no time to engage with the characters andhas a result you really don,t care about them,Catherine Tate at theheight of her comedic fame stars as a woman seeking a divorce from herhusband and on screen for about the same time as her Nana sketchesfailed to convince,however if she had said "what a f****** liberty" iwould have agreed I'd rather take a walk in the Park;unintelligent rubbish!

2012-05-07 19:25:54

Tickle yourself by watching this.

This review is from: Scenes of a Sexual Nature (DVD) I saw this on Shotime and bought it to show my wife. I don't usually buy DVD's.

helenandbrian 2012-05-07 10:17:41

Odd title, but lovely film

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Simply a sequence of individualvignettes into the lives of various couples on Hampstead Heath. Nothingmuch happens, but there's some wonderful characterisation, nicedialogue and a few (albeit slightly predictable) twists and turns alongthe way.While it can in no way be regarded as entirely "happy", it alsoeschewed the tendency of many British films to be unremittinglymiserable and the sun shone the whole time.Slightly confused by the title, however. Clearly the scenes themselveswere of a sexual nature, but that kind of reference conjures up imagesof a film with, lets say, a bit more than simple talking involved. Notthat I was disappointed in this, but I could imagine some people beinga bit misled and complaining about not getting their money's worth.