Scenes Of A Sexual Nature Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
Sex and love. Some seek it, some need it, some spurn it and some pay for it, but we're all involved in it. Set on one afternoon on Hampstead Heath, London, the film investigates the minutiae of seven couples. What makes us tick?
| Hugh Bonneville | Gerry |
| Tom Hardy | Noel |
| Douglas Hodge | Brian |
| Adrian Lester | Pete |
| Andrew Lincoln | Jamie |
| Ewan McGregor | Billy |
| Stephen Samson | Stevie |
| Nicholas Sidi | Ludo |
| Mark Strong | Louis |
| Hiran Desilva Thenabadu | Gay Man at Hampstead Heath |
| Benjamin Whitrow | Eddie Wright |
6.10 out of 10 (943 votes)
Visitor Reviews
A poor man's Love Actuallyl
posted on 16 Aug 2009This film attempts to cash in on the success of Richard Curtis movies, particularly "Love Actually" (which I loved) - a series of disparate scenes following the love lives of various couples. It's a great idea poorly executed. The script tries to be a little too clever and simply doesn't resonate. Most of the acting is stilted which is more a reflection on the director than the actors.The version I saw (on a plane) was called "Scenes from a Park", which is a more appropriate title as not all the scenes were of a 'sexual nature'.I was so looking forward to this movie, but ultimately it is disappointing. Don't bother.
'Scenes of a Sexual Nature': not a disclaimer but a joy
posted on 23 Jul 2009The British have done it again - successfully shown how talent, ensemble attitude, prudent production values, and esprit de corps can result in a first class thoughtful comedy of life. A first outing for writer Aschlin Ditta and director Ed Blum, this entertaining, intelligent and beautifully wrought film is a veritable showcase of some of Britain's finest actors.The concept is a simple one: one sunny afternoon on Hampstead Heath overlooking London the camera moves among seven couples acting out the sexual overtones of relationships. No, there is no graphic action here: it is absolutely unnecessary, so candid and intelligent is the script. The couples we meet are 1) Eileen Atkins and Benjamin Whitrow, two alone, aging characters whose proclivity for weekly visits to the same bench result in a courtship dance of sorts; 2) Andrew Lincoln and Holly Aird discussing their rather dry state of marriage as Andrew's eyes understandably caress the beautiful Eglantine Rembauville-Nicolle reading Camus nearby, causing a crack in the couple's marriage; 3) Sophie Okenedo distraught at a breakup is consoled then seduced by flippant Tom Hardy; 4) Adrian Lester and Catherine Tate are in the final paper stages of divorce, trying to overcome their feelings for their frolicking little daughter; 5) Ewan McGregor and Douglas Hodge are a gay couple contemplating adoption despite McGregor's character's wandering eye; 6) Hugh Bonneville and Catherine Tate banter the fragility of a first date over lunch and wine and distrust; and Polly Walker 'sells' her time and attentions to willing buyer Mark Strong.The phrase on the cover of the very well made DVD states it well: 'Sex and love. Some seek it, some need it, some spurn it and some pay for it, but we're all involved in it'. In addition to the pleasure of watching these superb actors ply their trade in these small vignettes the cinematography, editing, and musical score underline the spontaneous feeling of Ditta and Blum's concept. It is a pure joy to watch - even the informative dialog in the added features that accompany this delightful DVD. Grady Harp
Uplifting!
posted on 03 Jul 2009This is a beautifully made film, the style is original, simple, and very easy to watch. It's a short film about life and love set on Hampstead Heath, and is without a doubt one of the sweetest films made in a number of years. It has no complex plot, but is interesting and filled with many amusing anecdotes, and will make you laugh out loud at times. Filled with a very talented cast, and many familiar faces (Andrew Lincoln, and Hugh Bonneville being a few of my favourites) this movie is far from dull, and particularly easy to relate to. I have watched it numerous times, with numerous people, and have yet to find someone (male or female) who does not share my high opinion of this film. I highly recommend it to anyone.
Saw this on 'spec yesterday as I had some time to kill - wrong title
posted on 11 Jun 2009NO SPOILER!! Was at a multiplex in Sheffield on Monday (not meadow hall) and had some time to kill. This was the film that started earliest that the two of us both fancied.Personal opinion - it does work - it is a snapshot of a place in London which is; and has been a place of sexual adventure. There are some that say the gays have taken over - not sure that's true, but I'm no homophobe, my late brother was gay and died of aids. The essence of Hamstead Heath - it is a meeting place, one that happens to be used as a place of trysts.It is not the cleverest film in term of camera usage, but the makers had to achieve what they set out to do whilst the general public were using the heath in a normal day. I suspect the camera angles were not clever because of the public access required to the heath. Imagine trying to do the same thing as a film maker in central park N.Y. on a low budget with no official backing from the City. These guys probably faced the same problem - remember that when you watch it - it's OK to be clever when being a critic, but remember the constraints they were operating under !!! Cast is superb, it's very British, lottery funded, and the snapshots it provides into peoples lives leaves one leaving the cinema - wondering what happens afterwards - well thats what it did for me - a very British film that probably won't travel well - but WTH !! My only gripe it this - when I told my mum what I'd been to see (and I'm 50 years old) she said - You are too old for mucky films !!! This is a woman who loved Vera Drake - as an explanation of social history!! But her assumption was it was a mucky film - so quid pro quo - anyone looking for a mucky film will see that as a title (or tag-line) and go to see it and come out very very NOT HAPPY - however people like my 70 year old mum, I know would enjoy it, but not be brave enough to watch it; because the title will put her off.So if marketing/distributing people read these comments, think of a new title - it will probably get you more exposure than you are likely to get.That's my take on it - and it was so good I'll be watching it again - because I know I missed so many bits !!! Cheers Chris
Good lighthearted movie : 3 stars at "illustris Star Scale"
posted on 16 Apr 2009I give it THREE strong STARS* at my scale.Additional comments:I will not comment on budget nor on likes and dislikes. Leaving the house after the movie I felt lighthearted with aftertaste of human nature irony.* ---I suggest an independent approach to rating a movie that I use myself and as it proved to be helpful to my friends. This approach does not reflect any specific quality, like playing of actors or camera work or director or script or even budget. Instead, it ranges the work as a whole indicating its consumer value and time-provedness. The rating can be easily applied to other entertainment articles like music CDs, books or performances thus making the method universal and simple for both using and understanding. It ranges from one to ten stars according to the statements:1*......... - I started watching but quit before the end. (I left the house)2**........ - I could hardly sit out till the end.3***....... - I saw it once. (It's worth watching once)4****...... - I saw it and would recommend it to my friends. (It's a discovery!)5*****..... - I would watch it again and could join a company. (Next time I can invite my friends).6******.... - I can go and watch it many times. (I must check if they sell it?)7*******... - I saw it and am about to buy a copy. (Happy to have it on my shelf)8********.. - I saw it and bought it, I enjoy re-watching selected episodes.9*********. - I saw and bought it - it comes as a source of citations.10********** - I saw and bought it, the source of all time enjoyment, my favorite. (Next generation will appreciate it like in 10 or 20 years as well)If you'd like to use the method please mention it as "illustris Star Scale"
I don't understand
posted on 23 Feb 2009I read a lot of the reviews and comments that people here typed about this movie, i can't understand how they say it was awful etc... But that is why they say we all have different taste, i just got done watching this movie and i loved it, the movie is very touching, beautiful scenery, funny, entertaining, i read some guy in here made fun of the camera on how it was filmed etc.. ?? I have no clue why he would say that, because the camera the view all of it was perfect, this is why people should watch a movie and judge it by themselves and not always go by what people say, because you might enjoy it as much as me and my family did, the actors and actresses did an outstanding job on this film, so my advice is give it a try you will be impressLoved it!!
Heathcliffhangers
posted on 01 Feb 2009Q. How do you confuse a Multiplex Moppet. A. Put Ewan McGregor on the marquee and then have him kiss Douglas Hodge. They're gonna love this in the UGCs but the rest of us can bask in a strangely old-fashioned portmanteau entry with no fancy angles - in fact hardly Any Angles at all to speak of; Long Shot, Medium Shot, Close Shot and ...er.. that's about it. Made for a stick of gum and looking like it was made for at least a pack it offers a sort of clear CCTV footage of an afternoon on Hampstead Heath in which seven couples muse on the nature of love and/or perhaps more accurately, relationships. Whilst it's unlikely that you'd encounter quite so many variants in a single afternoon you would almost certainly come across three or four including the obligatory gay duo, McGregor and Hodge, not so long after they co-starred on stage in Guys and Dolls and now, after a fifteen year relationship addressing the question of adopting a child. Elsewhere Eileen Atkins and Benjamin Whitrow stretch credulity by meeting again after half a century and marriage to other people, Sophie Okenado is dumped, Hugh Bonneville undergoes an uneasy blind date, Catherine Tate and Adrien Lester meet up in the wake of their divorce and so on. It's a gentle, nonthreatening afternoon, well acted, competently written and shot but it may not be enough though I hope it is.
Boring and purposeless
posted on 09 Nov 2008This film is about the encounters of 7 couples on Hampstead heath in one sunny Wednesday afternoon.It shows 7 different types of couples: married, divorced, breaking up a relationship, homosexual, elderly, blind date and escort service. They are not connected to each other apart from the geographical location, so that is a disappointment. The film is a collage of conversations, without any discernible plot. The film jumps from a pair to another without any logic. I find this film boring and purposeless. The only redeeming feature is the great weather throughout the film. It is sad that talents like Ewan McGregor and Sophie Okonedo get wasted by this film.
Delightfully humorous quirky little film made in beautiful Hampstead Heath on a nice pleasant sunny day.
posted on 08 Jun 2008My summary just about says it all.Aschlin Ditta wrote a screenplay about various different people having conversation as they walk about or sit in this beautiful park in London UK. Many large cities have parks like this, Imagine yourself an eavesdropper listening in on there talks. Like most all of us the talking is of a sexual nature, BUT it never gets perverse or goes beyond proper behaviour (aside from some kissing).Ed Blum directed this large cast (most are stars of UK TV, stage & film),The most well known name for US audiences is Ewen Macgregor,he of course is a delight, the entire cast is delightful.There is no real plot or story, just nice people talking, some just met, some getting to know each other better, etc.This is a good film to rent & enjoy, I doubt if it had a major theatrical run even in London.There is no violence,no nudity, no sex. Just conversations, no conclusions. its just a good film.Ratings *** (out of 4) 82 points (out of 100) IMDb 7 (out of 10)
Significantly less than the sum of its parts
posted on 02 Jun 2008A sunny afternoon on Hamstead Heath in London sees couples everywhere. Some of them are breaking up with arguments others are breaking up with affection. Some see ogling others as a betrayal, others see it as part of life. Strangers are thrown together in a temporary moment while others come together for the first time in many years. Love and sex play a part in all of it as the sun warms the day in the background.It was the ensemble nature of the film that drew my attention to it despite the fact that it got mixed reviews. I didn't get round to it in the cinemas but when it came on television recently I managed to check it out. The mixed reviews I mentioned are perhaps understandable because the film itself is the same way in terms of content, quality and success. The "plot" doesn't really flow together because the only tangible connection between the couples is the location however as a device it has potential. The lack of a traditional narrative means that the film really relies heavily on the creation of characters and snapshots to paint a bigger picture of relationships and interactions that will come together thematically in the way that the specific characters do not. Here and there it does sort of do it but too often the scenes are just distracting as stand alone scenes, which is all well and good to some degree but it doesn't work as it needs to.I could forgive many of the specific scenes lacking meaning but, unlike some reviews, I do see the absence of a wider truth to be a bit of an issue and without this the individual scenes have a lot more weight put on them. Sadly few if any of them can really stand up to the pressure and mostly the film just comes across as fragmented and disjointed with the strongest scenes being amusing or mildly engaging while at worst they are so-so but just seem pointless and far too underdeveloped. It is a shame because the cast is impressive and they have the talent to do as much as the material could have asked of them and it is a shame that the material asks little of the majority. McGregor, Okonedo, Tate, Lester, Strong, McKee and Bonneville are the main people you will recognise but the rest of the cast are just as good (or rather, just as OK) although it is Rembauville-Nicolle that sticks in the mind for obvious reasons – which is depressing when you think of the acting talent involved. It isn't their fault and I can understand why so many of them worked on the film for little money but the idea doesn't come through and mostly they are left to try and carry scenes with their performances but little else.Overall then this is a distracting film that offers intermittent pleasures and interest but mostly fails to offer much in the way of honesty and cohesion. Despite the material the cast do try hard to make it more than it is but with little time on screen and seemingly nobody pulling everyone together in the editing suite I'm afraid it is significantly less than the sum of its many parts.
Great for all Hampstead Heath lovers
posted on 05 Feb 2008If you are a fan of Hampstead Heath (of the wholesome variety) then this is a great film. It features lots of different areas of the Heath and is very affectionately done. The Heath is the star of the film and is showing her age beautifully. Unlike Notting Hill, the film is faithful to the Heath and shows it as it really is. Pleasingly it didn't feature my absolute favourite bit of the Heath, which nobody knows about, and I am certainly not about to mention here.Alternatively, if you are a fan of good scripts, with every line worth savouring, then you will you enjoy this. If you are looking for a film about sex then this is not your film. Sorry!
Everybody needs love
posted on 10 Jan 2008I've seen this movie recently in the Prince Charles Cinema in London when I was visiting the place during a City Trip. I didn't know which movie was playing and the I never heard of this movie. So without any idea what the movie was about, I sit back and enjoyed the movie.The first thing I noticed was the high amount of 'feel good movie'. Everything is sunny, the grass is always very green and everybody is smiling.The plot isn't very spectacular, just some people who fell in love, are in love or needs love. But it's the humor what makes it special. Every character is interesting and never bores. Everyone can recognize himself in some sort of way in one of the characters.When the movie ends, you leave with a smile. That's for sure!
beautiful little episodes with excellent actors
posted on 28 Oct 2007Because of so many bad reviews I was a bit hesitating. And so it was a big surprise how beautiful it really was. The scenes are quiet and tender as well as funny and open. I enjoyed watching the movie and thinking about after ending. Congratulations to director and writer for their courage. It's an absolutely low budget project and it worked. Owing to the great cast and their intense acting. I loved this movie and really want to recommend it. It deserves greater honors. My favorites are the one's with Eileen Atkins (so sweet this elder couple!) and, of course, Ewan McGregor as part of a gay pair and his spontaneous idea to adopt a kid.
shallow.
posted on 22 Jul 2007the acting is good.thats the positives out of the way! SOSN is shallow and superficial.Almost all the characters are middle class and English.The gay men are depicted as fickle sexual predators aiming to use children in their empty lives.This film could only appeal to people who know hampstead heath and would get minor satisfaction from pointing out any landmarks.There is no time to engage with the characters and has a result you really don,t care about them,Catherine Tate at the height of her comedic fame stars as a woman seeking a divorce from her husband and on screen for about the same time as her Nana sketches failed to convince,however if she had said "what a f****** liberty" i would have agreed I'd rather take a walk in the Park;unintelligent rubbish!
A bloody good British film!!
posted on 20 Jul 2007I went to see SOASN with some girlfriends last night and can honestly say, whatever i was expecting, it wasn't what i sat through. Having anticipated this film for a while - being a huge Ewan McGregor fan - i had read many reviews prior to seeing it for myself. I was expecting some Love Actually-esquire film. Instead, it was a unique, wholly British creation which is so beautifully moving, and exactly what the cinema needs. It has no gore, no violence, no real sex, but it doesn't need it. It doesn't use swearing for the sake of it, and it doesn't use Ewan McGregor (him being the big name) to sell the movie. It's quaint and i loved it. 10/10. I hope Ed Blum treats us to another gem soon!
Brilliantly interesting
posted on 18 Jun 2007This movie is a fantastic piece of writing and an amazing concept! Although confusing at times it will make you think and turn you on at the same time. The number of famous actors in it only hints to its credibility and the name of the film by far does not suggest what actually happens in it. The suggestion by many that this is a pornographic movie is extremely wrong, there is only the slightest hint of nudity, nothing more than the trailer suggests. At least this is a very thought provoking film, worth your time for exceptional reasons. It sums up what we desire, hate, believe and know! The films cheap budget can be seen in many ways throughout the film although I found the simple touch very endearing and made you really believe you were part of these peoples lives for those few moments in time. The film did not need fancy technology to make it great, it was about the people, so did not need to exaggerate anything else! The film touches on many delicate subjects and although you may not realise it does enter a lot of your mind. Its worth seeing this film with some open minded friends and then having an opportunity to talk about it afterwards, because trust me you will want to!
Lovely, charming, moving - but ...
posted on 03 May 2007This is so, so nearly a brilliant film. The cast are superb, the script is very good, the cinematography in exemplary. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry.It is a superb film for people in their 30s or 40s to see on a third date with someone they are interested in having a 'relationship' with.If things work out, then they will work out. If not, then you can have a sensible conversation about why you rate the film as 8 or 9 out of 10 rather than 10, and part as friends.Even the dog acts well.If I could put my finger on what it is that makes me (and several other people I've discussed it with) rate it as 9 I'd be being paid a fortune in Hollywood.
A 10 out of 10
posted on 29 Apr 2007I loved this movie so much I bought the DVD. It's a gem. I'm not surprised a lot of the actors did this film for almost no money - the script is that good.You can make an analogy to books - this is not a novel but a book of short stories. I personally love short stories - you can almost always flesh out the characters in your imagination and make your own ending. I thought this movie was brilliant - great script and absolutely superb acting. It was a joy to watch from start to finish. This is what acting is all about, this is what movies should be about - not blue screens, endless explosions and CGI characters.
A day in the park
posted on 29 Apr 2007Hampstead Heath, that wonderful expanse in London is the setting for this delightful comedy. Directed with style by Ed Blum, the comedy brings some of England's most interesting actors together in a film that is as easy to take like a summer in the park with a nice breeze in the air.We are taken to meet several people that seem to be enjoying their day, totally unconnected to one another. We meet Iris, a widow, whose reaction to Eddy, the older man that asks her if she would mind sharing her bench, is not exactly a happy one. Yet, they seem to have more in common than one could have suspected. They have met because of they have gone to the park on the wrong day.Then, there is the young gay couple who are seen in the "Men Only" section of the park, talking about their life together and how one would stop cruising other men if they could agree in adopting a child. That proves to be wishful thinking, because when all it's said and done, the same proponent is seen trailing after a hot number to a secluded area to engage in sex, no doubt. One wonders about how realistic his expectations can be.One of the best vignettes involves a blind date. The two people one sees seem to hit it off well, although they seem to have different opinions on what they expect from one another. There is also a funny sequence involving a couple that meets to what appear to be a happy reunion for a nice stroll, and suddenly a shock comes when she asks him for money for her fee, which has gone up in price.All the actors in the film contribute tremendously to the enjoyment of it by acting effortlessly in this comedy that seems to be about nothing, yet it reveals a lot of inner tensions in many of the characters.Best of all, Ewan McGregor and Douglas Hodge as the gay lovers. Eileen Atkins and Benjamin Whitrow make a perfect old couple. Gina McKee and Hugh Bonneville are effective as the couple on the blind date. Contributions by Adrian Lester, Sophie Onokedo, Polly Aird, and Polly Walker enhance the film.Ed Blum shows a talent for creating people so different that happen to be one day in Hampstead Heath truly believable.
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A very intelligent and subtle film - all who took part are to be commended
posted on 22 Aug 2009Scenes of a Sexual Nature is a very intelligent and subtle film. It is skilfully crafted, beautifully shot and with superb acting. Only the most jaded and cynical could fail to appreciate this film – the best film I have seen so far this year.It is film that has many twists and turns, some more obvious than others, but even the obvious twists are still enjoyable. Not a lot happens in the film, the pace is slow and meandering but not so slow that ones interest is lost and it never becomes dull. The film examines the minutia of various relationships with great tenderness and wit and like they say the Devil is in the detail. It is the small things that give meaning – relationships are more often damned or celebrated because of the minutia rather than the big gestures. It is the day-to-day content that either holds relationships together or tares them apart.This film, which in turn is offers us charm, humour, sadness and pathos, offers no great thrills, shocks or drama (one can't help wondering how many people did not see this film at the cinema because of the title or in deed how many went because of the title and were disappointed not to find what they thought they would) nor any great love story, it is not a film that paints large – more like a small water colour but like some water colours it is non-the-less beautifully painted.All who took part are to be commended.