The Sheltering Sky (1990)

A jaded American couple sets out for Africa in search of kinky experiences to spice up their bedroom antics in The Sheltering Sky (1990). While opening their eyes (and flies) to the new culture, the two lengthen their libidos and end up broadening their minds. That’s the gist of this erotic epic from Bernardo Bertolucci of Last Tango in Paris (1972) fame — make that, infamy. This R rated flick is based on the same-name novel by Paul Bowles (who pops up in a cameo). Set in 1947, the costume drama follows Port (John Malkovich) and Kit (Debra Winger) Moresby who want more out of their sex lives. As such, they travel from New York to French Algeria with their friend George Tunner (Campbell Scott). While aboard, they all meet English travel writer Mrs. Lyle (Jill Bennett) and her grown son Eric (Timothy Spall) who later steals Port’s passport. For now, Port privately hooks up with a prostitute. But while the rat is away, the Kit will play. In other words, Port’s wife has an affair with George. If you think this is bad for Port, trust us when we say it gets a whole lot worse! Speaking of bad news, this $25 million movie only brought in $2 million at the box office. Yet despite being a financial flop, the film managed to nab a handful of critical accolades. Perhaps it’s because Mr. Malkovich bares his bush, butt and junk, while Belqassim (Eric Vu-An) flashes his back sac and buns. Cheeky!