'Snake' site has plenty of bite

Paramount pic's Web page puches limits

By VARIETY STAFF

In today's hypersensitive environment, studios often become hypercautious when handling films that feature sexual content or deal with issues such as child abuse.

But Paramount Vantage has decided there's little point in being defensive about its edgy "Black Snake Moan," in which Samuel L. Jackson becomes a father figure to a sex-addicted woman played by Christina Ricci. Though the story has serious under-pinnings -- Ricci's a victim of child abuse -- the film's key image is one of a smoldering and half-naked Ricci in chains, imprisoned by Jackson's character.

Par has launched an interactive Web site (moanmovie.com) where, in keeping with the pic's tone, Web surfers can see the room through Ricci's eyes via Flash player as they collect items to free themselves.

There's also a "Chain or Be Chained" Valentine e-card and an 11-question "Are You a Nymph" test with such queries as "Have you had more sexual partners than birthdays?" and "Have you ever booty-called multiple people on the same night?"

Answer "yes" to enough questions and the site will tell you "You ain't right yet. Sex continues to dominate your life. Slow down. You can't rub up on anyone you find attractive."

"Snake" opens March 2.