Sex, Lies, and Videotape

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Sex, Lies, and Videotape

R

Released Aug 4, 1989

1h 41m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

55 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Ann (Andie MacDowell) is trapped in a sexually and emotionally unfulfilled relationship with her husband, John (Peter Gallagher), a successful but unpleasant lawyer who is sleeping with her sister, Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). The underlying tensions in the couple's marriage rise to the surface when Graham (James Spader), a friend of John's from college who's been drifting for nine years, returns to town and videotapes Cynthia and Ann as they talk about their sexual desires.

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Critics Consensus

In his feature directorial debut, Steven Soderbergh demonstrates a mastery of his craft well beyond his years, pulling together an outstanding cast and an intelligent script for a nuanced, mature film about neurosis and human sexuality.

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David Stratton

At the Movies (Australia)

I was disappointed. I think it's been overhyped and I can't understand why people rave about it the way they do.

Feb 16, 2018

Full Review

Richard Corliss

TIME Magazine

What amazes is that at just 26, Soderbergh displays the three qualities associated with mature filmmakers: a unique authorial voice, a spooky camera assurance, and the easy control of ensemble acting.

Dec 9, 2011

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Empire Magazine

Soderbergh has assembled his cast into a fascinating jigsaw of neuroses, which then leap from the screen thanks to his intriguingly intellectual script.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 9, 2011

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Natasha Alvar

The Fiction Department

Soderbergh’s film emphasizes that technology can impede human connection and intimacy. Graham was using the videotapes to build a faux sense of intimacy so he could get off – a mere voyeur taking pleasure from the objectification of his subjects.

Jan 16, 2025

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Bianca Garner

Filmotomy

Graham is an oddball, but you can't help but admire his bohemian, laid back approach to life.

Oct 7, 2024

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Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

[James Spader's] deftly modulated performance... tips the scales from weird to sensitive and back again (even in the same scene) and is key to the film’s overall intelligent, ambiguous effect.

Sep 2, 2023

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Audience Member

For a movie w/ the mellow pacing of this one, you might think it's a sleeper but you'd be mistaken. Really great acting, tastefully shot, great story. To think that at one time humans were thoughtful and delved into each other and their feelings- watching this now in 2025 is like watching a time capsule of when people interacted. Compelling story, I even like the kind of distant ambient music during parts of it. It was between a 4 1/2 and a 5 but given the time displacement and how REAL it still feels, I think it's a justified 5. It's also kind of a movie that had started Soderbergh's career- and he's an iconic director on most peoples top ten list. An easy add to your movie collection.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/14/25

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K W

This is always worth a rewatch. Such an inspired story and execution

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/25

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Kristin B

I just happened to think of this movie and watched it again earlier today. I loved it when it came out and I still do. It's not really a feel good film but James Spader is such a subtle actor, it's a treat to watch him work. He says so much with a tiny expression. It's very sexy at times without explicit sex, which I get very tired of these days and it's also sad. Complicated people trying to figure out their messed up lives. I'm surprised the audience rating is not higher considering the critical acclaim it received when it was released. It remains one of my favorites.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/04/24

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雅苏典

一般我是不感冒感味人性的片子的，因为比起情节的波折情感的复杂更难以并懒得归纳，不过这部的娓娓道来般的层层推进却颇意外地舒服，即使看得仍云里雾里未暇细品却还不失舒服

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/19/24

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Shioka O

Watched in 2024. Looking retro, but still truly interesting and absorbing.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/24

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Maeve H

So great! Original, clever, quirky, unpredictable.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/24

Full Review

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Steven Soderbergh

Director

James Spader

Graham

Andie MacDowell

Ann

Peter Gallagher

John

Laura San Giacomo

Cynthia

Ron Vawter

Therapist

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Synopsis

Ann (Andie MacDowell) is trapped in a sexually and emotionally unfulfilled relationship with her husband, John (Peter Gallagher), a successful but unpleasant lawyer who is sleeping with her sister, Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). The underlying tensions in the couple's marriage rise to the surface when Graham (James Spader), a friend of John's from college who's been drifting for nine years, returns to town and videotapes Cynthia and Ann as they talk about their sexual desires.

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Producer: Bobby Newmyer, John Hardy
Screenwriter: Steven Soderbergh
Distributor: Miramax Films, Criterion Collection
Production Co: Outlaw Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 4, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 18, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $22.7M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Surround

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