bdsm in the movies

There are so few good movies out there that explore power exchange. BDSM porn is useless to me, in most cases, since it’s incredibly contrived and the actors so rarely enjoy their roles or the activities they’re performing. What’s more, the eroticism just isn’t there in most cases. And for me, BDSM is about eroticism. Power exchange isn’t matter of fact: it’s erotic. Devastatingly so. I crave the ability to see that on screen.

Which leaves me to look to mainstream movies to get my power exchange fix. And while there aren’t a lot of them, there are a few. My favorites include:

Secretary – well, now, that’s just obvious, isn’t it? But it’s still very erotic. Took me several watchings to get over my anger at the filmmakers for taking to extremes what could have been a lovely basic story that reflects many BDSMers initial inner conflicts, but I still identify with the girl at crucially erotic moments, discovering how much she likes to be spanked, how his very reticence enthralls her…

Swept Away – I understand that this is a remake, and also tanked at every box office in the world, but there are parts of it I enjoy. While some of the message is a little bolloxed up, the one theme – with submission to someone stronger, you find your own strength – is one I identify with. And frankly, Adriano Giannini is just hot.

Body of Evidence – Well, yeah, I know, again the movie is not the best in the world, but William Dafoe and Madonna are an interesting mix onscreen. I love her power and her strength in the “love” scenes. Plus, really, I just think Madonna’s hot. Must be leftover from my material girl days. Wait. Are those days over yet? 🙂

Basic Instinct – For all its shortcomings, I still find these scenes very sexy. It is the mindfuck in this film that gets to me on a BDSM level. While they don’t state it outright, it’s pretty clear that Sharon Stone’s character has a pretty thorough understanding of power play. And she uses is to toe-curling advantage. Particularly the teasing scenes in the club, and well, anything with white silk scarves is OK by me, minus the ice pick of course.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer – The episode in Season 6 (I can’t remember the name of it right now, darnit) where Spike lightly “doms” Buffy up on the balcony of The Bronze. Solid gold. That scene turns me on so much I’m liable to jump the nearest person while watching it. Thank goodness they never show that episode in public anywhere. Who knows what I’d do?

Queer as Folk – Many episodes feature the concepts of power exchange, and Brian is just plain dommy. Or is that yummy? Deliciously erotic gay sex throughout.

Wild Orchid – Now this is another basically lame movie, BUT: Mickey Rourke is unbelivably dommy in the film, though without the usual trappings. He’s definitely at the top of the power exchange. When he sends her up to have sex with the stranger, and she clings to the bars in the window, looking down at him… damn. Hot hot hot.

I know there are more. Sexuality.org lists Mainstream Films featuring BDSM Practices, which in my book is NOT the same thing, as many of these are torture/rape/death scenes and not sexy at all. But it’s a start.

Anyone know of other movies I should try?