06

(Dutch)

A Dino Filmprodukties production. (International sales: Dino, Amsterdam.) Produced, directed by Theo van Gogh. Screenplay, Johan Doesburg, Ariane Schluter , Ad van Kempen, from the 1994 play directed by Doesburg.

Sarah - Ariane Schluter
Thomas - Ad van Kempen

The sex talk comes down-and-dirty in "06," a rendering of the controversial Dutch legit piece that charts the truth-and-lies relationship between a man and a woman in a series of phone conversations. Though the format and content feel the same after a while, this offbeater has enough going for it in the two lead performances to cause a ripple on the fest circuit, with small-screen sales for cable and bold Euro webs a possibility. Pic drew critical plaudits at the Dutch Film Festival.

Original play, performed in spring 1994, was dubbed "interactive." Members of the audience, in individual cubicles with video monitors, could switch between actors and actresses. The term "06" is the Dutch equivalent of premium-rate 900 numbers in the U.S.

Maverick director Theo van Gogh's pic settles for a single pair, cross-cutting between them. She is always in her living room, more questioned than questioner; he in his workroom, not far from his architect's drawing board. Each chat is supposedly separated from the previous one by a week.

The subtext concerning lies that each sex spins to the other is mainly implied rather than laid on with a sociological trowel. A good number of the 11 episodes turn on verbal stimulation of the other's fantasies, with one or both heavily masturbating. Thanks to light, witty playing by both actors, and unembarrassed frankness in the dialogue, the effect is intriguing, funny and sexy, without being remotely pornographic.

Though limited to two sets, van Gogh serves up a richly colored supply of visuals, either tracking around the characters as they talk or holding on them for more contained effect. Ariane Schluter, especially, is aces in her multifaceted role.

Camera (color), Tom Erisman; editor, Ot Louw; music, Ruud Bos; art direction, Ruud van Dijk; sound, Ben Zijlstra; assistant director, Maria de Haas. Reviewed at Dutch Film Festival (competing), Utrecht, Sept. 26, 1994. Running time: 90 MIN.

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