Complete History of My Sexual Failures, A Review

"A Complete History Of My Sexual Failures" reviews

Movie

A Complete History Of My Sexual Failures

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2008-06-20 16:40:25

Provider

MRIB

Review

This semi-pseudo documentary tracks a decidedly off-kilter loser and indie filmmaker, Chris Waitt, as he tries to discover why he fails with the ladies.

Recently dumped once again, 30's slacker, Chris embarks on a plan to solve his dilemma of why he's failing in relationships. So he decides to interview all his past girlfriends to find out where he went wrong. Things get off to a stumbling start though as they all say 'No' to his request to interview them on camera. A 'kick-up-the-arse' phone call from his producer spurs him on to another woman though - his Mum. Rereading love letters of old from the loft refreshes his ardour for the task at hand, plus his mum convinces an old flame to meet him! One by one a few girls relent - one only willing to be filmed behind a screen and answering questions via a computer in a hilarious episode. Then as impotency ironically 'raises it's head', analysis and experimentation steps in and diverts Chris into bondage, domination and then a booze and viagra-fuelled arrest. So, when the opportunity to see the ex long-term girlfriend he nearly married arrives perhaps he might be close to solving this conundrum.

This topsy-turvy journey contains plenty of wit and some jolly good slapstick moments too as we follow the annoying, but disarmingly likeable, Chris on his tremulous journey. The ball (and camera) is kept rolling with his vigilant solo fight to succeed - you can't help but feel for him. He's the documentary's saving grace as he follows unexpected avenues to try and help himself without any thought for the potentially disastrous after effects at all. It's all like watching a naive Nick Broomfield film after he's had a long night taking mind altering drugs.

You might think at some points this is all set up too, but some of this cinema verite just can't be affected drama - especially the almost traumatic sight of a naked Chris's balls having had them whipped(!) or the verbal trouncing he receives from a friend who sets him up on a date that he totally screws up.

Caught between pillar and post, Chris seems like a lost soul seeking the holy grail - a man trying to understand women. You know it won't happen, but you'll get quite a few laughs, as well as the odd urge to scream at the screen, as he tries.

Copyright © MRIB 2008.