Ritual (1999)
Studio: VCA
Directed by: Michael Ninn
Starring: Vicca, Nikita, Katja Kean, Danielle Rogers, Jenny Macarthur, Dee, Keri Windsor, Azlea, Evan Stone, Damien Wolf, Julian, Brick Majors, Randy Spears, Tyce Buné, James Bonn, and Eric Price
Running Time: 1:40
Format: Single Sided, Single Layer
DVD Features: Animated menu, full-motion chapter selection menu, star biographies with full-motion video and "jump to scene" feature, interview with Michael Ninn, 15-picture photo gallery, and trailers for Cashmere, Shock, and Diva 4: Sexual Aria
The First Word: Michael Ninn proves once again that he's one of the best contemporary adult directors, delivering his most polished and insightful feature film yet.
Plot Synopsis: Although not covered in the film, the backstory on the package reveals that the main character, Katherine Yale (played by Vicca), is a famous porn star in the year 2008. But her popularity weighs heavily on her, relentlessly driving her insane. When the movie begins she's been committed to a mental institution. An evil-looking man in black comes to interview her in a dark basement. While it is never explicitly stated, the dialogue hints that he is a member of the adult press, with Katherine demanding to know from him "What do you want to see?!? . . . You're the one with all the answers!" Then, by way of fantasy segments (or perhaps, flashbacks), she reveals her descent into insanity.
The scenes are named in the chapter selection menu: "Vicca on Vicca," "Mr. Milky," "Slip-n-Sludge," a short unnamed scene, "Liquid Latex," "Pyrotica," "Katchin' Katja," and "No Exit." Seemingly unrelated and random, they have a deeper symbolic meaning to the plot that isn't obvious at first. The film ends with Katherine realizing there is no escape, beginning to come to terms with who she is. As the interviewer packs up his notes and tape recorder and walks off, another interviewer appears to take his place...
General Comments: First of all, this movie has very little plot and a lot of plot at the same time. When you watch this, you'll think it doesn't really have a plot (at least not in the "Vivid feature-length movie" sense). But if you pay attention to what little dialogue there is (and you'll have to, since Vicca's heavily accented English is hard to understand), you'll see that the entire movie is a commentary on the adult film industry. Some of the lines sound like they come from spoken word performance. And they speak directly to us, the audience: "How do you see me? Am I coming to you from your TV? / How does this imagery come to you? Are you at a peep show? Are you laying in your bed with your wife? Where are you when you are seeing this? / Out of the thousands of movies out there, how did you find mine? Did you search me out or was this an accident?" Clearly, this isn't your typical porno!
But it's more than plot, it's the look too. Ninn has a very distinctive style in many of his films, almost industrial or gothic, with heavy fetish influences, especially latex. His films look like music videos in their effects and editing style, yet they'll never be seen on MTV. Ritual looks very similar to some of his previous films, including Latex, Shock, and Forever Night, sharing some common visual elements, only the result is much more polished here than in his previous projects.
But plot and polish aside, Michael Ninn is mindful that he's making X-rated films. Although he's viewed in the same circles as Andrew Blake and Cameron Grant, who make "pretty porn," usually at the expense of nasty, "fuck me hard" sex, Ninn delivers pretty porn with a perverted and unquestionably hardcore edge. Ritual is an example of that...
Notable Performances: "Vicca on Vicca" -- In this gynecological lesbian fantasy, Vicca plays three different characters, all appearing simultaneously on screen (like Janine in Seven Deadly Sins). It's mindblowing to see Vicca "The Manipulator" inserting a speculum into Vicca "The Victim" with Vicca "The Master" voyeuristically watching from afar. How'd they do that? Well, along with digital effects, fellow Russian fatale, Nikita, was Vicca's body double.
"Mr. Milky" -- This cross between a parody of a 1950's sitcom and Pleasantville stars Randy Spears as The Milkman and Danielle Rogers as The Housewife. Randy and Danielle, a long time couple, have been making a comeback after years away from the business. Although they are both showing their age, the sex is really hot. It gets even more twisted as the 50's "Mr. Milky" jingle is played while the two fuck. This is one of the most creative scenes I've seen in porn.
"Liquid Latex" and "Katchin' Katja" -- Although Vicca is the main star of this film, I'm completely infatuated with a blonde-haired, blue-eyed wonder from Denmark, Katja Kean. She's drop-dead, supermodel gorgeous! The way she looks into the camera while she's giving a blowjob is the most erotic thing I've seen in a long time. She also looks really good covered in pink liquid latex!
Dislikes: There are some problems, though: Cover art that makes you think this movie is some vampire Gothic fetish flick, the use of condoms in a way that distracts you from the action, scene endings that have the guy jerking off to a climax (why?!?), and overuse of special effects (especially chroma-keying and reduced speed).
DVD Notes: The audio and video on this disc are perfect. You might as well consider them to be the reference standard for adult films--it isn't going to get any better. The Dolby Stereo soundtrack has excellent fidelity and substantial bass where appropriate. The only improvement would have been a surround channel (and, yes, there are scenes in this film that merit surround treatment). Shot on film, it looks just as stunning. The only improvement here would have been a 1.85:1 aspect ratio--this is one of the very few adult films I would suggest a widescreen presentation for. In fact, the opening credits are letterboxed and look great--it would have really elevated Ritual to the next level if the entire feature was theatrically framed.
I'm disappointed how VCA seems to be somewhat skimpy on the extras in their new release DVDs. But I'm glad they included an interview with Michael Ninn. The somewhat hidden bonus discusses how Ritual was indeed his editorial on the porn industry. I really wish VCA and Mr. Ninn would have considered a full-length commentary instead. He comes across as a very insightful and articulate person with one hand in mainstream filmmaking and the other in dirty movies. What a combination!
The Last Word: Don't let the freaky vampire cover art fool you--this is classic Michael Ninn material, only with a better story, more seamless effects, and hotter sex. It has some room for improvement, but has my vote for one of the very best of 1999.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Performers' Looks: 4/5
Extras: 3/5
A/V Quality: 5/5
Plot/Acting: 3/5
Category: Straight
Saki
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