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QX finally get round to taking a look at last year’s BDSM documentary, Kink, produced by James Franco.

 


The idea of James Franco being involved in a movie about BDSM is one that would normally fill us (and his agent) with fear. Luckily (or unluckily if you’re hot-for-Franco) he decided to stay on the other side of the lens, fulfilling the role of producer with his documentary, Kink. And it’s actually quite good.

Directed by Christina Voros, the documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 and tracks various figures in the San Francisco BDSM movement, delving deep into the world of Kink.com, the largest producer of BDSM content on the Internet.

“I’m down for anything”, says one of the porn stars, when being interviewed about his limits (or lack of). It sets the tone of the film. There’s plenty of whipping, shocking, fuck machines, nipple clamps, bondage, more flogging and yes, lots and lots of screaming. But as well as all the kinky sex, the documentary is actually an endearing look behind the scenes of an often-maligned movement. As stated in the film: if the porn industry were a high school, the BDSMers would be the Goth kids. Kink tastefully looks at why.

The documentary is packed with fascinating aspects of the BDSM lifestyle that most viewers would never have considered. Watching directors carefully and considerately orchestrate the simulated abuse of their co-workers is a surreal experience, while there’s plenty of insightful thoughts about the world of bondage from those involved in putting the films together. Viewers are even shown the correct way to dramatically stamp on a cock without causing any long-term damage.

As Tomcat, one of the interviewed directors, says the BDSM movement is often grossly misunderstood. In Kink, Voros and Franco strive to give it a face, one that’s not clad in a leather mask. They’ve helped demystify the scene with an honest portrayal of the culture and endearing look at those who make the magic happen. A look behind the curtains might mar the illusion for some, but for most Kink will offer a fascinating supplement to their knowledge of the BDSM lifestyle.

 

• Kink is out on the 15th june.

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