Coming Attractions: The Making of an X-Rated Video (Paperback)

by Robert J. Stoller (Author), Robert J. Stoller M.D. (Author), I. S. Levine (Author) "Ira Levine and I met about five years ago..." (more)
Key Phrases: Jim Holliday, X-rated Industry, Sharon Kane (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The late UCLA psychiatrist Stoller ( Porn: Myths for Our Time ) and Levine, a journalist and screenwriter with X-video credits, have collaborated on an unusual (and necessarily explicit) oral history of the world of erotic films. The voyeuristic and curious may learn much, as well as lose what Levine calls "lurid misconceptions," through such interviewees as a male actor who confesses fears of AIDS or a female counterpart who cites Piaget in discussing the emotional unreadiness of 18-year-old women for the trials of public sex. There are provocative observations: one porn director calls her work "a document of contemporary Western sexuality"; a male producer believes it's healthy for men to see violence against women; a female actress maintains that women from dysfunctional families go into porn for "adoration and love." Levine himself dubs the industry a "hideout for arrested development cases." Surrounded by much incidental verbiage, these points would benefit from more explication. There are no photographs, either.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
In this book, Dr. Robert J. Stoller, one of the world`s leading experts on human sexual behavior, joins with I. S. Levine, a professional writer and director with experience in the making of X-rated videos, to examine the backgrounds and motivations of the participants in an adult heterosexual X-rated video, Stairway to Paradise. Their interviews with performers, writers, directors, producers, and technicians provide unique insights into the mechanics and aesthetics of this type of video, the psychological make-up of the people involved, and the legal and moral implications of such films.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (September 10, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300066619
• ISBN-13: 978-0300066616
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,263,414 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good, December 10, 1998

By A Customer

Through a series of interviews with writers, directors, cast and crew, the author dissects the process of making a pornographic movie from conception to release. Far from the giggly bimbo-fest one might expect, all the persons interviewed come across as intelligent adults who have made the conscious decision to be involved with the x-rated film industry. I was especially impressed with veteran actress Nina Hartley's thoughts on her illustrious career and her complete confidence that what she is doing is not wrong. Another affecting piece was from an actor who is trying to leave the industry, but with a wife and new baby at home, he finds it difficult to stay away from the money. Made me think of Boogie Nights, and the ex-porn star couple trying to get a loan to start their own business. All in all a very impressive academic study.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, albeit repetetive, look inside the XXX industry, April 30, 2000

By	Chadwick H. Saxelid "Bookworm" (Concord, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This book is an incredible, shocking, and educational look into the misunderstood and much maligned "adult video" industry. Although the interviews seem, at first, way too repetetive, it actually allows the readers a clearer view of what was really happening on the set, getting past all the ego blinders the interviewees threw at the interviewers. Those wishing for cheap thrills and juicy photos need look elsewhere. Those interested in actually learning something about this industry and the people who work in it will definitely finish this book happy.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Movie magic... XXX style, June 30, 1998

By A Customer

After reading this book you will never view another adult video the same way.

Prior to reading this book, I had no idea how hard actors and actresses work on the set of an adult movie.

This book goes in-depth via candid interviews with all the participants involved in the production of "Stairway to Paradise". Their individual perspectives on the making of this XXX masterpiece will make you realize how difficult it is to produce a quality "hard core" movie.