Our Staff Picks column is a new addition that takes you back to a time when video stores reigned supreme and the "Staff Picks" section was the place to find out what films were worthy of one's time. Of course, our version has a decidedly nude angle, as we suss out which films from a certain genre with great nudity. This week: sexploitation.
By the way, what is sexploitation? Great, sexy question!
These were films that were typically made with very low budgets and largely displayed sex and nudity throughout their plots - more so than other films. The genre is best known for having its heyday in the 1960s and 70s and they were seen as an appetizer to the kinds of adult films - and hardcore porn - that was to come.
With that description, you can guess that this is going to be a hot Staff Picks because nudity is KEY to sexploitation. Even though a lot of sexploitation focused on female nudity, these films were skintastic when it came to men. Let's look:
The Flesh and Blood Show
This 1972 sexploitation horror flick is set in a gorgeous abandoned theater on the British coast. Okay, is anything gayer than that? There is no gay action as thespians are killed by an unknown maniac. But! There is dick. Actor Stewart Bevan shows his dick and balls when he gets with a lady in the dressing room. Excuse me, but does his dick look really chubbed up here? Are we looking at a real stiffy in the flesh? Yes, we are! plays Tony, gets out of bed
Women in Revolt
Leave it to Warhol's friend and director Paul Morrissey to deliver male nudity. In his 1971 film, Women in Revolt, it is the men who revolt against their clothes. The film satirizes the women's liberation movement of the 70s and it stars a bunch of Warhol's favorite girlies. And the girls are gagging on naked men!
Duncan MacKenzie and Martin Kove have incredible nudity showing literally every part of their bodies in their respective nude scenes. We are talking dicks, taints, balls, and butts.
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
One director's name is synonymous with sexploitation and that is the one and only Russ Meyer. Admittedly, this movie (and most Meyer movies) is heavier on female nudity than male nudity. But this is a cult classic. This movie is the definition of camp and it features some very seductive scenes with Michael Blodgett and John Lazar.
Tarzan, The Ape Man
John Derek, husband of Bo Derek, delivered quite a few 80s sexploitation flicks (even if he wouldn't classify them as such). One that is particularly interesting is his retelling of Tarzan. Miles O'Keeffe plays the muscular man who walks around in a loincloth all day. He shows off his cheeks and his firm abs. Tarzan is looking FIT and fine, honey. I want to see the tree beneath that loin cloth.
The Last Woman
Gerard Depardieu in a sexploitation flick? Why, of course! in this 70s Italian film that was rated X, he whips out his cock and strokes it for the camera. This is a drama about a divorced dude seeking custody of his kid, but he makes time for plenty of nude scenes. Who would divorce this dick?
Viva
Let's go for a modern sexploitation flick! Viva is literally an ode to the 70s sexploitation era and it was directed by visionary director Anna Biller (from The Love Witch). The plot is very simple: a bored housewife spices up her life by visiting a nudity colony. Viva nudity! There is a lot of varied nudity in this movie - which Ms. Biller stars in - and you can enjoy seeing many dicks.
Viva dicks:
