Aroused (film)
2013 film by Deborah Anderson / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Aroused is a 2013 feature-length documentary film directed by the photographer Deborah Anderson, in her directorial debut. It focuses on the lives and careers of 16 pornographic actresses.[1][2][3] The film's structure includes interviews with the women both during makeup and during a subsequent photo shoot for Anderson's coffee table book of the same name as the documentary.[4][5] Quotes are presented in title cards throughout the film on the topic from women including Erica Jong, Marlene Dietrich, and Gloria Leonard.[6][7] The actresses interviewed describe their early upbringing, entry into sexual activity, and motivations for entering the adult film industry.[8][3][1] A female talent agent within the industry, Fran Amidor, provides a counterpoint to the interviews.[9][3] Several of the actresses recount facing stigma and discrimination due to their career choice.[1] Katsuni reflects on the impact of entering the industry, and criticizes society's "judgment of morality".[5]
Aroused | |
---|---|
Directed by | Deborah Anderson |
Written by | Deborah Anderson |
Produced by | Deborah Anderson Christopher Gallo Mike Moz Trina Venit |
Starring | Lisa Ann Belladonna Lexi Belle Jesse Jane Katsuni Kayden Kross Brooklyn Lee April O'Neil Misty Stone Tanya Tate Alexis Texas |
Cinematography | Christopher Gallo |
Edited by | David Schenk |
Music by | Damion Anderson Tiziano Lugli |
Distributed by | Ketchup Entertainment |
Release date |
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Running time | 73 min. |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Anderson was inspired to work on Aroused, after previously photographing an adult industry actress for a magazine shoot.[10] She wanted to draw attention to a double standard in society regarding consumption of pornography while simultaneously stigmatizing the actresses that perform in the adult industry.[11] She stated her attempt was to humanize and provide dignity to the actresses.[12] Anderson cast the actresses in the film in order to showcase, "the most successful women in the adult film industry".[13][14] Filming took place in Hollywood Hills, California; the film was shot in black and white, color, and muted color tones.[6][15][5] The film premiered on May 1, 2013, at Nuart Theatre of the Landmark Theatres chain in Los Angeles.[10][16] The film was released on iTunes and Amazon, followed by a DVD in June 2013.[10][13]
Aroused received mixed to negative reviews.[17] The film was compared by the Chicago Tribune to the documentary After Porn Ends with a more optimistic feel to it.[9] Screen Daily and BroadwayWorld commented favorably on the vulnerability of the subjects.[18][13] Film critics compared the documentary's style to Michael Moore, Annie Leibovitz and the film Naked Ambition: An R Rated Look at an X Rated Industry.[4][6][7] A review of the film in the Los Angeles Times was critical, writing that it was only recommended for fans of Alexis Texas, Katsuni and Misty Stone.[19] The Village Voice found the subject more appropriate for a photography book.[1] The Hollywood Reporter and The Washington Post criticized Aroused for its lack of depth.[2][3] The New York Times compared the film's cinematic style to an advertisement for Victoria's Secret.[5] The New York Daily News criticized Anderson for self-promotion.[20]