All The Sins of Sodom

All The Sins of Sodom, a cinematic feature from 1968, directed by the renowned Joseph W. Sarno, combined the elements of erotic drama and avant-garde art film to create a unique, jet-black drama that unraveled amidst the bohemian context of 1960s New York City. The primary cast comprises Dan Machuen, Sue Akers, and Morris Kaplan, each delivering commendable performances that lay the groundwork for the film's dynamic emotional landscape.

The film focuses on the tumultuous life of its main protagonist, a struggling on-the-verge-of-making-it-big fashion photographer named Henning (played by Dan Machuen). Henning is a driven, ambitious artist who thrives in the cutthroat world of New York's fashion industry. He rents a loft to run his photography studio where he shoots fashion models by day and engages in erotic photographic experiments by night. These dual realities construct and deconstruct his world throughout the narrative, serving as his creative inspiration - a daring exploration for a film of its time.

Morris Kaplan, who adds an unusual dynamic to the storyline, plays the role of a mysterious magnate who becomes Henning's patron. He commissions Henning to work on a unique project that entails photographing the seven deadly sins. This project captures Henning's interest and becomes the backbone of the storyline, leading to confrontations of desire, jealousy, and artistic ambition.

Sue Akers, in her role as Leslie, Henning’s model and muse, delivers an evocative and nuanced performance. Her character transcends the barrier of being merely a subject of Henning’s photographic exploits and becomes an intricate part of his personal and artistic world. Their relationship, a combination of professional partnership, passion, and friendship, forms the crux of much of the film's emotional drama.

As the narrative develops, the lines blur between art and erotica, desire and predatory behavior, innocence, and depravity. Henning's world spirals out of control when a woman named Joyce, played by Maria Lease, enters the scene. Joyce is an enigmatic character whose arrival prompts unforeseen changes, serving as a catalyst in the evolution of the narrative's suspense and drama. The interaction between Henning, Leslie, and Joyce, further intensifies the complex relationships portrayed in the film.

Joseph W. Sarno, known for his explicit thematic explorations, uses this plot to paint a canvas of simmering desire, artistic struggle, and moral ambiguity. His direction compellingly captures the grit and glamour of 1960s New York, while highlighting the conflict of the individual’s struggle with ambition, ethics, and personal relationships within this environment.

All The Sins of Sodom employs black and white cinematography, which serves to heighten the raw, often surreal ambiance that characterizes the film. The director's employment of shadow and light not only visually interpret the seven deadly sins but also symbolize the shifting dynamics of the film’s complex relationships. The film's score, which is both haunting and atmospheric, further complements this approach.

Despite its explicit premise, All The Sins of Sodom manages to steer clear of unnecessary gratuity. The film's strength lies in its character development and artistic handling of sensitive subjects, in the form of eroticism and moral corruption, which adds a depth to the plot and makes it distinct from a typical erotic drama. The film further connects with the audience through its bold pacing, dialogues, and a screenplay that flawlessly conducts the orchestra of its varied themes.

In conclusion, All The Sins of Sodom is an intriguing fusion of erotica, drama, and art film that is bound to engage audiences with its provocative narrative, memorable performances, and its skillful exploration of controversial themes. It offers the viewers a window into the titillating undercurrent of 1960s New York fashion scene through the lens of a tormented photographer fraught with the tangle of desire, jealousy, and unexpected intrusions in his work and personal life. With its avant-garde treatment, All The Sins of Sodom is an essential film for those interested in offbeat cinema of the 1960s that pushes moral and creative boundaries.