Ìý Since its cinema release in May 2003, there has been much debate about this Sundance Film Festival winner. Is it "a male fantasy of female subjugation", as our reviewer claimed, or rather a film that explores "deep issues inside everybody", as actress Maggie Gyllenhaal asserts on the DVD release? Certainly the DVD offers more food for thought.
Take A Letter
The little behind-the-scenes footage in the 'making of' featurette doesn't show much action going on, but rather contains interview footage borrowed from the interview section on the disc. You're better off heading there if you want to get Gyllenhaal's interesting dissection of her role in full, and to discover the roots of the project from director Steven Shainberg.
Spanks For The Memories
Shainberg and writer Erin Cressida Wilson have a comprehensive structure of ideas behind the film, as revealed by their audio commentary. They talk in depth about the story but manage to add worthwhile points to what's going on rather than merely describing what is going on screen as so often happens in commentaries. Plus, for variety, such topics like S&M, little Red Riding Hood, and how to vary and create the best array of spanking noises are also debated with infectious earnestness by the duo.
To Be Spank
There's not a stunning array of extra features on this DVD but the commentary is a good addition, plus the film itself is classily presented on disc with optional DTS sound. So no spanking for distributors Metro Tartan this time!
EXTRA FEATURES
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-N5 DVD player.
