sex, lies, and videotape
Seen it?1989 | 101 min | Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), people are still talking about it, it drew serious awards attention and it made about 31 times its budget. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 41 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect sex.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Ann, a frustrated wife, enters into counseling due to a troubled marriage. Unbeknownst to her, her husband John has begun an affair with her sister. When John’s best friend Graham arrives, his penchant for interviewing women about their sex lives forever changes John and Ann’s rocky marriage.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 86 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 2 Cannes awards: Cannes Film Festival: Best Supporting Actress, Cannes Film Festival: Best Actor. Won 4 Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Feature, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Director, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Actress, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Supporting Actress. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 3 Golden Globes and 2 BAFTAs. Plus 3 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$37 million worldwide on a $1 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 556K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Steven Soderbergh
- James SpaderGraham Dalton
- Andie MacDowellAnn Bishop Mullany
- Peter GallagherJohn Mullany
- Laura San GiacomoCynthia Bishop
- Ron VawterTherapist
- Steven BrillBarfly
- Alexandra RootGirl on Tape
- Earl T. TaylorLandlord
- David FoilJohn's Colleague