Slippery Slope

Slippery Slope, a 2006 film directed by Sarah Schenck, is a thoughtfully crafted dark comedy that treads into the uncharted territories of the film universe, particularly exploring the intersection of art, business, and sexuality. The ensemble cast features Kelly Hutchinson, Jim True-Frost, and Laila Robins, demonstrating their acting prowess as they navigate through the unusual, humor-filled terrain this film sets.

Kelly Hutchinson expertly plays the film's sharp and charismatic lead, Gillian, an aspiring film director battling to get her feminist-themed screenplay through the male-dominated film industry. A feisty go-getter, she is determined to see her project come to life. The only thing standing in her way? Money. When a serendipitous opportunity presents itself, Gillian must decide how far she's willing to go for her dreams.

Jim True-Frost, best known for his work on the critically acclaimed TV series, The Wire, delivers a compelling performance as Martin - Gillian's loyal and somewhat naive husband. Martin, an unassuming ethics professor, is caught off-guard when he stumbles upon an unfinished adult movie, a remnant of his parents' steamy past. His privileged, safe world gets a humorous shake-up as he comes to terms with this unexpected discovery.

Laila Robins, a versatile stage and film actor, portrays the intriguing Fay. A force to be reckoned with, Fay is a successful pornography producer who spots potential in Gillian's struggle, and proposes a seemingly win-win offer. She promises the funding Gillian needs for her feminist project, in exchange for Gillian directing an adult film.

The film jumps quickly from one plot point to another as Gillian, caught up in a whirlwind of decisions and courses of action, embarks on the slippery slope from passionate filmmaker to reluctant porn director. Throughout the film, the question persists, how far is she willing to go to fulfill her dreams? How much of her own principles and believes she's willing to risk, and can she handle the consequences?

Shot with a keen eye for story and style, Slippery Slope is a film that challenges its viewers to see beyond one-note assumptions. Things that appear black and white at first glance - feminist principles versus pornographic exploitation, for example - are presented in a more nuanced light upon closer examination. This theme is consistently mirrored in the characters as they grapple with their own philosophies and moralities.

Comedy is prominently weaved through the narrative, offering lighthearted moments amid serious subjects. From Martin's awkward encounters to Gillian's fish-out-of-water experiences in the adult film industry, there are multiple threads of comedy running through the script. Such cleverly incorporated humor keeps the audience entertained and invested in the story, without undermining the gravity and depth of its central themes.

Kelly Hutchinson’s performance as Gillian is the anchor of the film, showcasing a determination that flits between admirable and borderline obsessive. Hutchinson's nuanced portrayal encompasses the many shades of Gillian – her audacious ambition, her vulnerability, her struggle with her guiding principles, and ultimately, her tenacity in the face of adversity.

Jim True-Frost’s portrayal of Martin provides a good counterbalance to Hutchinson's Gillian, lending another layer of complexity to the film. He embodies the roller coaster of emotions that Martin goes through - ranging from bewilderment to acceptance and subsequent adaptation. The unraveling of his character encapsulates the very essence of the film's title - the ‘slippery slope’ isn't always where, or what, you might think.

Laila Robins as Fay adds a unique flavor to the cast. Her character is seemingly predatory but upon closer inspection, reveals layers of fragility and pragmatism. Her performance mounts a delicate contrast to the black-and-white portrayal of the adult film industry.

On the whole, Slippery Slope, with its quirky characters and unconventional setting, is a daring meditation on how dreams, ambition, and morality often collide in our pursuit of fulfilling ambitions, and the unexpected challenges we might encounter along the way. The film boasts a tongue-in-cheek approach to its subject matter, offering a unique blend of smart comedy and stimulating drama.