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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
It may not be a great movie, but Bliss could be one of the greatest marriage-boosters ever filmed. This curious drama fits into the too-familiar form of the "therapy movie," but it's acted with intensity by a committed (and rather brave) trio. Craig Sheffer plays an uptight Seattle husband who discovers his neurotic wife (Sheryl Lee) visiting a radical doctor (Terence Stamp) who has sex--therapeutically--with his patients. After briefly flipping out, Sheffer finds himself buying into the doctor's remedies for a sexual and emotional make-over. The silky-smooth Stamp is perfectly cast: with his enthusiasm for chakras and fine cigars, the doctor is both spiritual guru and the kind of man who reads Playboy. The film veers into ridiculousness at times, yet there is something intriguing about its how-to frankness. Home viewers may find themselves embarrassed and maybe just a little bit liberated. --Robert Horton
Product Description
A frankly honest, beautifully erotic drama that follows a couple's exploration of their sexuality and the secrets that lie beneath it. Eager to help her troubled six-month marriage to architect Craig Sheffer, wife Sheryl Lee seeks guidance from unconventional sex therapist Terence Stamp, who makes love to Lee before shepherding the spouses into new areas of eroticism. 102 min. Standard and Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, French, Japanese, Spanish; theatrical trailers.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
45 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Joseph and Maria are about to be married. They are riding to the wedding chapel in separate limousines-black for him, white for her, of course. Joseph rides with his best friend, Tanner, confiding all those last minute wedding day jitters. Maria rides with her parents, feeling a little nauseous from her nerves. Her mother warns her not to get any vomit on her dress. They arrive at the chapel, and all that nervous tension fades when they look into each other's eyes at the altar. Everything seems just normal for this couple at the precipice of their life together.
At first.
Seven months later, Joseph and Maria are already feuding over obsessive behaviors, emotional disconnection, inadequate bedroom performance, and an unwillingness to start a family. There's trouble in paradise, and just when things couldn't get any worse, it appears as if Maria is seeing a local sex therapist by the name of Balthazar. This is what every man dreads: Not only is his wife sleeping with another man, she's paying him for it. Fantabulous.
So far, aside from the quick pace and attention to detail, "Bliss" seems geared to become a formulaic romance story about a troubled newlywed couple. But it is when Joseph and Balthazar first meet that the film shows its true colors, and becomes one of the most honest, emotionally wrenching films ever made about love, sex, and abuse. It strips us of the awareness that we are watching a movie as we become completely engrossed in these lives we care so much about.
As Joseph agrees with Balthazar that traditional therapy is not the answer to his wife's many psychological troubles, the heart of the film becomes the discussions between the two men. Brutally honest discussions about sex, love, and the secrets of all their pasts when they finally come to light in the climax of the film.
All the characters are played with award-worthy style: Craig Sheffer as Joseph is remarkably strong-willed, hinting very subliminally at the wounded man beneath. Sheryl Lee, one of the great actresses working in film, is so sympathetic as Maria, that even when we are disgusted at her choices in the marriage, we are still with her because we can sense something wrong beyond her control. The big role here, though, belongs to Terence Stamp as the sex therapist Balthazar. This is one of the great performances not nominated for an Oscar. Stamp, instead of simply making Balthazar an all-knowing caricature of a therapist, reveals himself gradually, and emerges as one of the most interesting, well-layered characters of the cinema.
"Bliss" is the only film ever made by writer-director Lance Young, but I pray to God that it is not his last. A first effort this astonishing deserves a worthy follow-up. Along with "American Beauty," this is probably neck and neck for my all-time favorite film. It's a film from the heart that goes for the throat, not for the prudish, and completely unforgettable.
At first.
Seven months later, Joseph and Maria are already feuding over obsessive behaviors, emotional disconnection, inadequate bedroom performance, and an unwillingness to start a family. There's trouble in paradise, and just when things couldn't get any worse, it appears as if Maria is seeing a local sex therapist by the name of Balthazar. This is what every man dreads: Not only is his wife sleeping with another man, she's paying him for it. Fantabulous.
So far, aside from the quick pace and attention to detail, "Bliss" seems geared to become a formulaic romance story about a troubled newlywed couple. But it is when Joseph and Balthazar first meet that the film shows its true colors, and becomes one of the most honest, emotionally wrenching films ever made about love, sex, and abuse. It strips us of the awareness that we are watching a movie as we become completely engrossed in these lives we care so much about.
As Joseph agrees with Balthazar that traditional therapy is not the answer to his wife's many psychological troubles, the heart of the film becomes the discussions between the two men. Brutally honest discussions about sex, love, and the secrets of all their pasts when they finally come to light in the climax of the film.
All the characters are played with award-worthy style: Craig Sheffer as Joseph is remarkably strong-willed, hinting very subliminally at the wounded man beneath. Sheryl Lee, one of the great actresses working in film, is so sympathetic as Maria, that even when we are disgusted at her choices in the marriage, we are still with her because we can sense something wrong beyond her control. The big role here, though, belongs to Terence Stamp as the sex therapist Balthazar. This is one of the great performances not nominated for an Oscar. Stamp, instead of simply making Balthazar an all-knowing caricature of a therapist, reveals himself gradually, and emerges as one of the most interesting, well-layered characters of the cinema.
"Bliss" is the only film ever made by writer-director Lance Young, but I pray to God that it is not his last. A first effort this astonishing deserves a worthy follow-up. Along with "American Beauty," this is probably neck and neck for my all-time favorite film. It's a film from the heart that goes for the throat, not for the prudish, and completely unforgettable.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
One of the best movies about love and marriage I've ever seen. The raw sexual energy jumped off the screen. Just when you think you know what the movie is about and where it's going, it takes you into a more intimate place, the minds of the two married people. Craig Sheffer is excellent and plays his part like a fine instrument. He has unbelievable potential as an actor. Sheryl Lee lays herself bare as she allows us to really know her character. Terrance Stamp was so convincing I thought he was a therapist through the entire film. Lance Young did a phenomenal job directing and he should have won some kind of an award. This is a movie that married people should watch together, without any distractions. It's a must-see.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This movie is moving drama that explores the relationship of a young married couple just on the edge of crisis. Sheryl Lee is convincing in her role as Maria, the paranoid self-critical wife. Joseph, portrayed by Craig Sheffer (in his best role since "Norman Maclean" in River)is intense and loyal to Maria, although he has difficulty getting through to her, and knowing how to help his deeply troubled wife because Maria is dealing with issues buried deeply from childhood. Terrence Stamp, is wonderful as the colorful therapist "Balthazar", and the acting between the three main characters is complementary. Joseph learns more about himself as a man and as a husband through the course of the film, that he begins to understand the meaning of unconditional love, even if it means he might lose Maria. Great movie, raw emotion...why isn't Craig Sheffer in more roles like this!?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Thrilled
I was so delighted to get another copy of this therapeutic movie. Someone stole the one I had! There is just so much insight especially for someone who was hurt and abused in the... Read more
Published 28 days ago by Dorette
BLISS
Boring skin flick - mediocre acting......Only ENDING was worth viewing --when film began to "Get Real"......Sex Guru??..... Read more
Published 1 month ago by BleachBlondie
Heart felt and eye opening!
This movie has opened up whole new perspectives and feelings for me. I suggest this movie to those that have been sexually abused or sexually confused. Read more
Published 2 months ago by kimmer
Bliss
The movie was very interesting, putting aside the fact that I just LOVE Terence Stamp, it was really better than what I was expecting it to be. Read more
Published 8 months ago by SheShe
A MUST SEE FOR ALL
Simply this, a must see for all. Healing is good. This movie is about healing love.
I wish I had the courage to give it to my daughter who refuses therapy. Read more
I wish I had the courage to give it to my daughter who refuses therapy. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Susan Barre
Great Nudity
The heck with the story... great nudity throughout the movie. Check out mrskin.com for more details.
Published 18 months ago by Schmuck
Phenominal Movie About The Sexual Objectification Of Women
"Bliss" is the first and the ONLY movie I have ever seen which deals so honestly and so explicitly with the way male objectivication of women as sexual objects just completely and... Read more
Published on December 4, 2009 by M. R. Reagan
A highly under rated , brave and intelligent film about the nature of...
Bliss is a powerful and absorbing movie which explore the nature of adult sexuality and love. The plot revolves around the relationship of a newly married yuppie couple,Steve and... Read more
Published on November 26, 2009 by Roger Boon
Thoughtful and Edifying
I watched this movie on cable this morning after a difficult Skype evening with my first and one true love and with whom I've reconnected after 44 years. Read more
Published on November 15, 2009 by M. Cortez
Blissful
I saw this movie ten years ago and was incredibly moved by it. I had just ended a long term relationship with my fiance and it revealed the root cause of our disconnect: I sought... Read more
Published on November 14, 2009 by Debra Jenkins
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