has anyone seen this film? did it even get a release in the US?

the film in question is quite a stark, almost bleak, portrayal of a couple who meet, once a week, for quiet, practically anonymous sex in a cheap, dirty flat.

both of the main protagonists, played by mark rylance and kerry fox, are married to other people, and as the film progresses their lives become more and more entwined. in one scene, rylance's character explains to fox's husband (played by timothy spall) all about his sexual set-up, knowing full well with whom he is speaking.

however, most people know this film for another reason - the sex scenes. this was, as far as i recall, the first mainstream film to get a uk cinema release with such graphic sexual depiction left uncut.

fox and rylance were dating at the time of filming and the director persuaded them to 'act as if the camera wasn't there.' so, unlike many cinematic sex scenes, there is honesty and authenticity.

when these people fuck, it's not soft-focus. there is cellulite, there is awkwardness and clumsiness. indeed, there is penetration and fellatio. but it's done in a way that means any titillation comes a very distant second to a feeling of unease watching these scenes. the viewer is left feeling voyeuristic, and maybe even a little dirty, like they've been caught snatching a glimpse.

if you get the chance, you should watch this film. despite the furore surrounding it's content, it remains, for me, an eminently intimate and well realised portrayal of the anatomy of infidelity.