Preaching to the Perverted

Preaching to the Perverted is a British comedy-drama released in 1997, directed by Stuart Urban. The film stars Guinevere Turner, Christien Anholt, and Tom Bell. The story revolves around politics, societal norms, boundaries of decency, and the intriguing world of fetish and BDSM culture, creating a unique mix of comedy, satire, and sexually charged drama.

At the core of the film is Peter Emery, played by Christien Anholt, who you might know from his appearances in Relic Hunter and The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne. Peter is a naive, aspiring British Parliamentary researcher charged with a mission by the fanatically conservative Minister of Home Affairs, Henry Harding, portrayed by Tom Bell, famed for his roles in Prime Suspect and Wish You Were Here. Peter's task lies in infiltrating and gathering evidence on the fetish clubs and the BDSM community to instigate a crackdown on these 'perverted' practices.

Guinevere Turner, known for her roles in films like American Psycho and The Watermelon Woman, takes on the mesmerizing role of Tanya Cheex, the outlandishly provocative American dominatrix who happens to be the figurehead of London’s fetish scene. Exuding boldness, she runs an outre nightclub called 'The House of Thwax'. Her character blurs the line between liberated indulgence and public indecency, challenging Peter's conservative ideology and caught-up world.

As Peter dives into this vibrant and taboo world, he starts questioning the societal definitions of decadence, freedom, and personal pleasure. As the lines blur, he finds himself entranced, not only by the daring and unapologetic lifestyle of the subculture but also the compelling aura of Tanya Cheex. Most intriguingly, Preaching to the Perverted showcases a progression in Peter's character arc as he navigates his inner conflicts and develops a deeper understanding of personal liberation and sexual preferences.

Stuart Urban, the director, skillfully explores the socio-political dynamics surrounding sexual liberation and societal norms. The film uses wit and erotic detail to discuss the UK government's conservative stance on alternative lifestyle practices during the 1990s. Despite the substantial erotic content of the film, Preaching to the Perverted never becomes graphically explicit and employs sexuality more as a tool for narrative progression and character development, rather than exploitation.

Preaching to the Perverted maintains a satirical tone throughout, critiquing the hypocritical and prudish stance of society and policymakers towards sexual diversity and freedom. The film effectively uses comedy, eccentric characters, and their bizarre situations, manifesting a truly unique depiction of the fetish scene. The film is enriched by vibrant cinematography that vividly brings to life the vibrant, daring hues of the fetish clubs.

The film also boasts a charismatic cast that embraces the unique spirit of the narrative. The performances of Guinevere Turner, Christien Anholt, and Tom Bell stand out, as they navigate their roles’ complex dynamics with conviction.

While the movie itself may be viewed as provocative to some, it invites deeper contemplation on societal and individual freedoms, personal boundaries, and acceptance of diversity. By daring to delve into a taboo subject matter, Preaching to the Perverted paints a vivid and thought-provoking social portrait.

In essence, Preaching to the Perverted presents a surprisingly deep narrative cloaked beneath an unconventional story setting. This film is not for the faint-hearted or conservative viewer, given its poignant exploration of the fetish world. But for the open-minded audience, it offers thought-provoking commentary on societal norms, a riveting love story, and a look into the lesser-understood world of alternative libido. Viewers can expect to be both entertained and challenged by this film.