The Girlfriend Experience

Ever since this movie was released I had an interest. A little because of how independent it is, or because Steven Soderbergh directed, but mostly because of the precedent it was about to set. Not the film, but the lead actress. Sasha Grey, the porn star, is about to jump mainstream, and everyone including myself was curious to see how she would perform. Can she act, or did she get the role based on the nature of the film. You would obviously want someone comfortable with nudity and money for sex, so a porn star seems about right. I don't expect Soderbergh to sell himself short, and his was his decision to make. He did well. Not so much he, but her. Sasha is magnificent. It is always rolling in the back of my mind that this is her shot to graduate in the "industry", and wondering if she will. After seeing that she can actually act, I don't doubt she could be a star. The big question is the "Indie" vs "Studio" dynamic. Indie's can do what they want, but will a studio ever give her a shot, knowing she is an easy tabloid target due to her career. If she is put in a big role, and it tanks, the finger will be pointed at her. The Girlfriend Experience is exactly that. Chelsea (Grey) is a high priced classy escort. Not the yellow pages type, but the little black book of high rollers type who want more than 20 minutes. She gives these men much more than a roll in the hay. She listens to them, attends parties and functions with them, and basically plays girlfriend for a night or weekend. She has a steady customer list, and she appreciates her regulars. She has her rules, but her life isn't easy. She has an actual boyfriend that seems ok with her profession, but tensions flair at times. She wants to go to the next level of escortism, but doesn't want to pay the price, which basically means sleeping with the scum of the Internet message boards for a positive review. She obviously doesn't know about NBM where bribes and favors are unnecessary to get a good review. This may be the most "indie" feeling film I have ever watched, and at a run time of only 1 hour 18 minutes it is short. It has several time killer scenes of street musicians that have no bearing on the plot. The only thing it adds are minutes to the run time. I don't know anyone who would appreciate this film for what it is. My wife hated it. Not because of the content, because she doesn't appreciate art films. A-Bomb and A.P. would hate it. To be honest, I really can't think of anyone. This is my review and you can take it as you will. This is the most adult themed film I have reviewed. It feels very much like a documentary at times. Although it is extremely graphic (language) it contains little to no nudity and is absolutely not soft core. I really think Sasha has taken her shot and done well with it. She did have a stint on Entourage this past season, so it may be a start of things to come.

NBM rates The Girlfriend Experience - Awesome

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