Passion & Power – The Technology Of Orgasm (2008/First Run Features DVD)
Picture:
C Sound: C Extras: C+ Main Program: B
Many
documentaries have arrived that we have covered about the history of sex,
sexuality and sexual images through the ages, but few have covered the
particular specific of vibrators and their interesting history. The Emiko Omori/Wendy Slick documentary Passion & Power – The Technology Of
Orgasm (2008) is an impressive work about how these devices first surfaced,
were once so mainstream that doctors and major manufacturers (General Electric
and Hamilton Beach, for example) produced them and until they surfaced in
softcore sex films, were even respectable!
As that
image soured, women and the women’s movement eventually moved forward and the
devices were used for a broad definition of hysteria. What is sad is the lack of knowledge among
most of female orgasms to most people and how even as this was finished, their
sale was still outlawed in four states!
What is
revealed are subtle forms of sexual suppression, oppression, self-oppression
and what still remains a serious lack of understanding of sexuality (especially
female) caused by unnecessary fear of sex, ultra-conservative concerns and a
certain hatred of woman that remains strong to this day. The politicization of all this is as silly as
it is outrageous and shows how the vibrator helped to liberate women in
profound ways and will continue to do so, especially with the said ignorance in
place. This is a nicely made work and a
mature, adult, pleasant surprise.
The 1.33
X 1 image is softer (hey, no comments!) than expected for this NTSC analog
video shoot, but the content is well-researched and even the aliasing errors
can be ignored. The Dolby Digital 2.0 is
simple stereo at best, but at a low volume, so be careful on playback. Extras include filmmaker notes, filmmaker
text bios, a Dancing Vibrators trailer, more interview footage, behind the
scenes featurette and more antique vibrators.
All this makes this a must-see, even if you never see it again, it is
vital viewing.
- Nicholas Sheffo
