Miles' Rating:

Starring: In terms of art direction, acting, music enhancement and sex, this may be Paul Thomas's most accomplished work yet. A period piece set in the 17th century, Raylene plays the title character, a libertine who longs to violate church dogma and become one of the first female artist to paint the nude figure. The story follows her trail of discovery as she breaks that taboo, only to find her work sexually liberating. Bobby Vitale is superb as her counterpoint, another struggling artist who sees Raylene as conquest and competition. The sizable cast who hump throughout the film includes Julian, Lola, Mr. Marcus, Alana, Chandler, Nina and Devin Wolf, all models who once behind closed door are encouraged by the artist to fuck while being captured for the ages.

Unlike "Jekyll and Hyde," which never completely convinced you we were in another world, this film nails it (if you can ignore the actors' modern tattoos).

To his credit, Thomas keeps all but the most important sex scenes short and sweet, like the opening between Julian and Lola. But when it's necessary, as when Vitale finally nails Raylene, it's slow and steamy.

That no matter how scorching the sex is, it fit's seamlessly into the script and matches the characters' motivations.

It may be too arty for some people. Yet, Thomas is making a point about sex and art that gets lost amid all the humping.

Still, it's never showy or obnoxious, and never sacrifices the sex for the story. A 9.

Posted By Miles, www.excaliburfilms.com | 10/12/06 1:58 PM