Sex Sells

Sex Sells: The Making of 'Touche' is a 2005 comedy film directed by Jonathan Liebert. This satirical mockumentary takes a humorously unflinching look at the behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking, exposing the grueling process of creativity as well as the sometimes ridiculous mechanisms of Hollywood's movie industry.

The narrative revolves around a passionate but hapless filmmaker, Robby Durrell, brilliantly portrayed by Jay Michael Ferguson. Robby is the type of director who aspires for brilliance but often falls pitifully short. He is charged with the task of making a movie within a movie titled 'Touche', which is an adult film. As a filmmaker, Robby sees this as his golden opportunity to blaze a trail in the industry, aiming not to produce just an average adult film but a genuinely worthwhile cinematic experience sporting both an engrossing plot line and stellar acting.

Our main protagonist, however, is not alone in his quest. Mark DeCarlo, who stars as the producer, Fred Melamed, supports Robby on this journey. Fred is a savvy and somewhat cynical Hollywood producer, looking for a way to revitalize his flagging career. He agrees to join Robby's venture on the condition that they disguise the genuine nature of their project, meaning that they must keep the adult content under wraps from the movie's actors, the crew, and their investment partners. This sets the stage for a hilarious cascade of events, filled with comedic tension and outlandish situations.

Priscilla Barnes features prominently as Roxy Free, identified as the world's most famous adult film star. Her character brings a certain gravitas to the whole production, lending a curious juxtaposition between the world of mainstream cinema and the adult film sector. Barnes' performance is perfectly pitched, injecting a balance of humor, sophistication, and a touch of poignancy that helps to bind the film together.

Moreover, Sex Sells does an impressive job of peeling back the veil on the often ridiculous nature of filmmaking. It exposes the viewer to the outlandish demands of self-obsessed actors, the intricacies of managing an eccentric and often rebellious film crew, and the fanatical dedication required of a director even when faced with the improbable task of transforming low-brow material into high art.

The structure of the film itself is particularly noteworthy as it skillfully juggles two narratives. On one hand, there's the overarching plot of Robby, Fred, and their crew struggling to complete 'Touche'. On the other hand, we have the embedded storyline of 'Touche' itself, the adult film Robby aims to make a successful feature film. This method not only adds depth to the story but provides constant, shifting contrasts in tone and pace that keep viewers engaged.

Further enriched by a supporting cast of distinct, eccentric, and sometimes outlandish characters, Sex Sells: The Making of 'Touche' shines a light on the comedic turmoil behind the scenes of an unlikely film production. It introduces us to a host of fascinating characters including overbearing divas, neurotic costume designers, and capricious scriptwriters. All are bound together by their interaction with the shell-shocked Robby, who serves as the eye of this eccentric storm.

While Sex Sells is undoubtedly filled with cheeky humor, it simultaneously communicates poignant themes such as the pursuit of personal ambition and the interpretation of high and low art. It showcases how highly charged environments pulsate with creativity, conflicts, and comedy while examining the dichotomy between the realms of adult and traditional cinema.

In conclusion, Sex Sells: The Making of 'Touche' is a rib-tickling, insightful, and sometimes shocking exploration of the adult film industry. It's an unorthodox comedy, driven by excellent character development, compelling storytelling, and sharp satirical wit. This movie effectively brings humor and a heavy dose of reality to Hollywood's depiction, making it a must-watch for fans of unconventional cinema.