Coming Attractions: The Making of an X-Rated Video

by Robert J. Stoller

Book Overview

What do porn films tell us about our own erotic impulses? What can we learn about our culture's sexual attitudes, fears, and fantasies from the ways that porn films are designed and produced?

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300056540
• ISBN13: 9780300056549
• Release Date: May 1993
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 246 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Funky transcripts

It shows a better understanding of fundamentals than any government ever has. Indecency has its finger on the trigger. Squeeze it.

Fascinating Book

While recently researching for a documentary film on the porn industry, I stumbled upon this book at the library. It was the only one they had that appeared equally weighted in terms of objectivity and lack of moralizing. I particulary liked the shared voices of the academic and porn producer. In addition, this book assumed that you have some knowledge of how the film industry works, and of the porn industry in particular. If you're looking for porn information and you're starting at "ground zero" you should just surf the internet and educate yourself instead of buying one of the other riduculous books recommended on this site. Also, check out lukeford.com for even more up-to-date insights.

Fascinating, albeit repetetive, look inside the XXX industry

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.

Surprisingly good

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.

Play-by-play of the making of a video

If you ever wondered how those videos came about here is the book. It gives a step by step view of the book's creation, by means of interviews with the producer, director, writers, actors, actresses. The book is a little bit raw and unfinished, in the sense that it appears to be nearly unedited interviews. The result, though, is the matter of fact reality of how a "good" (VCA PLATINUM) video is produced for $25,000 in two days of shooting. After reading it you will want to buy/rent Stairway to Paradise.