Pornography: A Thriller

Pornography: A Thriller is a 2009 American independent film that brings together themes of mystery, thriller, and horror, pitching an intriguing concept that concerns the disappearing line between fantasy and reality. Directed and written by David Kittredge, the film stars Matthew Montgomery, Pete Scherer, and Jared Grey, who deliver captivating performances as they navigate a dark underworld set against the backdrop of the adult film industry.

The narrative of the film revolves around three intertwined storylines that span over different time periods, offering the audience an intense, disturbing, and suspenseful viewing experience. Each storyline rudimentarily involves the mysterious and shady side of the porn industry, where unexpected circumstances and eerie occurrences leave characters and audiences question what's real, and what's not.

First and foremost, the film follows the character of Mark Anton (played by Matthew Montgomery), an actor in the late 1990s who has achieved major success in gay pornography. Mark mysteriously disappears after the release of his latest film, and his disappearance creates a ripple effect, giving birth to various urban legends. The unsettling mystery of Mark's sudden vanishing gives the story its initial shape, intriguing audiences with numerous possibilities and unsettling answers.

In the ensuing timeline, which takes place in the modern day, the film introduces us to a novelist, Michael Castigan (also played by Montgomery), who is working on an investigative piece about Mark Anton's disappearance as he delves deep into the background of his subject. As Castigan progresses through his research, he finds himself sucked into the same pervasive unworldliness that enveloped Mark, experiencing disjointed realities and strange happenings. His life starts mirroring the disturbing themes and elements of the world he's investigating, creating an unsettling sense of dread.

The third, and perhaps the most unsettling, storyline features a lonely video store employee, Matt Stevens (played by Pete Scherer), who stumbles upon a videotape that contains footage of Mark’s recent/past life, haunted by the same eerie occurrences Mark experienced. The more Matt watches, the more he gets sucked into the videotape's dark reality, progressively becoming paranoid and unsure of his own existence.

One of the prominent aspects that make Pornography: A Thriller stand out among the crowd is its treatment of a narrative structure that abandons traditional linear storytelling. Instead, the film uses cleverly placed timestamps, producing a sense of disorientation among viewers. The intricate plot threads gradually intertwine until the lines between the character's experiences become seemingly indistinguishable, making it all the more intriguing and suspenseful.

The film excellently handles the theme of blurred realities, with its subject matter echoing the concept of life imitating art. Furthermore, the cinematography successfully creates an atmosphere that fluctuates between the hyper-real and the supernatural, with dark and uncomfortably close shots that build tension.

Ignore the title's suggestive implication; Pornography: A Thriller is not a skin flick but a raw psychological thriller. Although set in the adult film industry, it isn't an exploitation of sex and nudity for titillation. It uses the backdrop to underline the eeriness and dread, making it a stylized meditation on the haunting, disorienting effects of fame, obsession, and on-screen personas.

Despite its unknown cast and indie status, the film doesn't shy away from delivering powerful performances. The actors, especially Matthew Montgomery, adapt to their characters flawlessly, displaying the confusion, fear, and paranoia that their roles demand.

Described as a 'metaphysical thrill ride,' Pornography: A Thriller is undoubtedly not a run of the mill film. It showcases creativity not only in its narrative structure but also in its exploration of themes and cataloging the underbelly of an industry often shrouded in exotic allure. The film is designed to unsettle, rattle, and question the audience's perceptions of reality, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that dares to challenge and push the boundaries.