Love Object (2003)

Directed by Robert Parigi
Written by Robert Parigi
Starring: Desmond Harrington, Melissa Sagemiller, Rip Torn
Music by: Nicholas Pike
Language: English

Rating: 4/5

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As Wikipedia summarizes, Love Object is the story of Kenneth (Desmond Harrington), "an efficient but socially awkward technical writer who develops an obsessive relationship with Nikki, a realistic sex doll he purchases". Unfortunately this summary is incomplete, as it does not mention Lisa, the co-worker Kenneth falls in love with (Kenneth thinks of her when he order his "tailor-made" doll). Love Object is therefore the story of the bizzarre love triangle (yes, I love New Order) between Kenneth, Lisa and Nikki.

Apparently the plot has nothing to do with William Wyler's The Collector - Love Object is not a remake, definitely - but still, there are many common elements between the two movies. Too many to think of some randomness. Love Object actually looks like a tribute to Wyler's movie. 

*** SPOILER ALERT: SKIP IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO WATCH THE MOVIE ***

Let's consider the main characters, for example. Both Frederick and Kenneth are shy, lonely, socially awkward middle class workers around the same age. They both have a boring job (Frederick is a bank clerk, Kenneth writes technical manuals) and stupid colleagues who jerk them around. They both develop an obsessive attention for a girl in particular - Miranda, the art student from The Collector, and Lisa, the intern who loves writing and dancing waltz - and both Frederick and Kenneth come to the conclusion they have to kindap their beloved ones. Even the final is exactly the same: both girls die, Frederick and Kenneth are not prosecuted for their crimes but labeled as victims and plan to start the cycle all over again with a new girl.

*** KEEP READING FROM HERE ***

From a BDSM / kinky perspective, Love Object is pure gold. It contains scenes of submission (Nikki becomes a sort of Mistress to Kenneth), restraints (Lisa got bound and gagged), sexual ecouterism (Kenneth jerks off listening to his landlord having sex) and obviously agalmatophilia (the paraphilia involving sexual attraction to a statue, doll, mannequin), sexual objectification and dollification (Kenneth first creates Nikki in Lisa image; then expects Lisa to become like Nikki). Unmissable.

The Collector (1965)

Directed by William Wyler
Written by Stanley Mann, John Kohn, John Fowles (novel)
Starring: Terence Stamp, Samantha Eggar, Mona Washbourne
Music by: Maurice Jarre
Language: English

Rating: 5/5

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Based on a novel written by John Fowles, The Collector is that kind of movie that should have no place on a blog about BDSM. In fact consent is the key factor of every BDSM-based relationship and in this Wyler's masterpiece there is no trace of it, but still. Its plot and the power dynamics between the two main characters will fascinate everyone who has an interest in BDSM - this is why it is worth a mention.

To put it shortly, The Collector is the story of a middle class white collar who wins a large sum of money, buys an isolated country house and locks a young, pretty art student - Miranda - in a windowless cellar. But it is actually more than that. It is a brilliant psychological thriller that perfectly portrays all the possible phases of a kidnapping-scenario.

Miranda, who initially opposes her kidnapper firmly, tries to get her freedom back begging, trying to find a deal, deceiting her kidnapper and even trying to seduce him. Frederick Clegg, the kidnapper, is on the other hand a monolithic character who always maintains his position, even when he seems to welcome Miranda's requests. He is always calm but manipulative, he does not need to use the force - he never beats or rapes the victim - and his irritating good manners have the incredible effect of reducing the empathy one could feel for Miranda. In the end a gentleman is a patient wolf and Frederick Clegg is certainly a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Coming to a conclusion, yes, The Collector is that kind of movie that should have no place on a blog about BDSM, but it should definitely be in the private collection of everyone who fantasized about kidnapping - no matter if as kidnapper or victim. Classic.